Punjab Police claimed a major breakthrough in the katcha area of Rahim Yar Khan after two notorious dacoits, Qabil Sukhani and Morzada Dashti, surrendered to authorities, officials said on Tuesday.

Both men were considered symbols of fear in the riverine belt and were wanted in multiple serious crimes, including murder, robbery, kidnapping for ransom and attacks on police. A reward of Rs100 million had been announced for each of them.

Police officials said the surrender followed sustained pressure from law enforcement operations in the katcha area. The two suspects voluntarily handed themselves over to police and expressed repentance, saying they wanted to abandon crime and live a respectable life.

District Police Officer Rahim Yar Khan said operations in the katcha area would continue, including drone surveillance and ground advances, to dismantle criminal networks and restore law and order.

“The pressure will remain until the area is fully cleared of hardened criminals,” the DPO said.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar commended the Rahim Yar Khan police for the operation, calling the surrender a significant success in the ongoing crackdown against organised crime in the riverine belt.

Police said further legal action against the surrendered suspects would proceed in accordance with the law.