A surge in kidnappings for ransom and other criminal activities in Sadiqabad has been attributed to the abandonment of numerous police checkpoints in the region.

Police sources reveal that over 50 checkpoints in the Kuccha area, a sparsely populated and arid region, have been left unmanned due to fear of bandits.

Following the deaths of several police officers, remaining personnel reportedly refused to continue duty at these vulnerable locations.

The resulting absence of police presence has emboldened criminals, allowing them easier access from the Kacha area into more populated settlements. Millions of rupees were invested in establishing these checkpoints and observation posts (OPs), which now stand deserted.

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The lack of effective police patrols is directly linked to the sharp increase in crime, including kidnappings for ransom. Police sources confirm that officers stationed at the checkpoints have been temporarily recalled to the police lines.

While authorities assure that police deployments will soon resume, a police spokesperson stated that the police presence in the Kacha area is permanent, and that the abandoned checkpoints were temporary in nature.