Police in Burewala have taken action against several boatmen who were accused of taking advantage of flood victims by charging them unfair amounts of money for rescue rides.
The arrests were confirmed by DSP Rana Imran Tipu, who explained that these boatmen were allegedly demanding heavy fees from people in desperate situations.
They were charging stranded families for transporting them, their belongings, and even their livestock on private boats, despite the fact that rescue work should be carried out free of cost during such an emergency.
To stop this exploitation, the authorities have now deployed police officers and SHOs on rescue boats. These officers are working in two shifts, ensuring that the rescue process remains fair and that victims are not forced to pay under pressure.
Their presence is also meant to reassure citizens that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation and that no one will be allowed to take financial advantage of vulnerable communities.
Additionally, a temporary control room has been set up in Sahoka to keep track of rescue operations and coordinate efforts more effectively.
This control room will allow authorities to monitor complaints, respond quickly to problems, and ensure that all rescue work is carried out transparently.
Officials have urged citizens to immediately report any incidents of overcharging or exploitation so that strict action can be taken. The police stressed that at a time when people are already struggling with the destruction caused by floods, no one will be allowed to profit from their suffering.