Police have secured a breakthrough in Operation Nijat-e-Mehran as the most wanted riverine bandit commander, Rahib Shar, surrendered along with six accomplices in the katcha area of Ronti, Ubauro.

According to police sources, Rahib Shar — a long-sought and heavily armed commander notorious in the riverine belt — presented himself before authorities along with his associates.

Those who surrendered include Zahoor Shar, Nadir Shar, Moro Shar, Moli Shar and Sindhu Sheikh.

The suspects were wanted in multiple serious cases, including murder, kidnapping for ransom, armed encounters with police, and the killing of law enforcement personnel.

Authorities said the governments of Sindh and Punjab had each announced a bounty of Rs10 million on Rahib Shar’s head, underscoring the scale of his criminal profile and cross-provincial operations.

Police described him as a dangerous commander who had repeatedly evaded forces from both provinces before finally laying down arms.

Officials termed the surrender a significant development in the ongoing crackdown, stating that Rahib and Zahoor Shar were considered symbols of fear in the katcha region.

Their surrender is expected to substantially weaken the dacoits’ network operating in the riverine belt.

Police further said that nearly 90 per cent of the katcha area has been cleared of criminal elements under Operation Nijat-e-Mehran.

The operation will continue until complete restoration of peace, with intensified action planned against facilitators and other criminal elements still at large.