Pakistan arrests 100 as helicopter gunships hit Chotu gang hideout

Security agencies have arrested over 100 suspects linked to dreaded Chotu gang in southern Punjab province in Pakistan, as military helicopter gunships pounded the hideout of the group that has been holding 24 hostages.

“We have arrested over 100 suspects in ongoing operation against the notorious gang,” Punjab Police chief Mushtaq Ahmed Sukhera told reporters.

“A list of police officials who had allegedly facilitated the gangsters has also been prepared and they will face exemplary punishment if found involved,” he said.

At least seven policemen, mostly Elite Force commandos, and as many gangsters, have been killed in the shootout so far since the operation started about two weeks ago in Kacha area of Rajanpur district, some 400 kilometers from Lahore. 

The army was called in to join the operation against the gangsters after police failed to flush them out. The army carried out intense shelling through helicopter gunships yesterday and used drone cameras and satellite technology for the surveillance of the area. The hardened criminals - having backing of local sardars, parliamentarians and some banned militant sectarian outfits - are holding 24 hostages, mostly policemen, and are demanding ‘safe passage’ in exchange for their release.