Traditionally, cattle rustling (theft) is one of the general crime of the district. Previously, cattle rustlers were committing cattle theft by foot or by using horses. "Khoji" (foot-tracker) was the main man who used to assist the police in detecting the criminals by using the criminal’s footprints and patterns. "Thekri-pehra" (volunteer village watchmen) used to work as an effective strategy for prevention of this crime. Now times have changed. Cattle rustlers are mostly armed with lethal weapons. Mostly, they steal but sometimes they snatch on gunpoint and take the victims along as a hostage. Cattle rustler gangs are ever changing and they enlist criminals from far and wide
The extensive networks of river provide an excellent mobility for transporting the stolen cattle through the river. With the changing method of crime, the strategy of police is changing as well.
stealing in truck: Gang of cattle thieves busted
BAHAWALPUR
●▬A gang of cattle thieves was busted when four of the members, including their leader, were arrested from Hasilpur in Bahawalpur. According to the Hasilpur city police, the gang was involved in cases of cattle theft.
They used to steal cows and goats by putting them in a truck and taking them to other cities.
They were wanted by the police since some time. The gang members arrested included Adnan, Iqbal, Riaz and their leader Fayaz.
The police recovered seven cows and seized cash worth Rs885,000 and the truck in which they would transport the cattle. All of the accused belong to Bahawalnagar.
The accused were wanted in cases of cattle theft in Bahawalpur, Kot Addu, Layya, Multan, Khanewal and Bahawalnagar. The Hasilpur police registered the case under Section 379 (punishment for theft) of Pakistan Penal Code. The accused is being interrogated.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2016.