Police claimed to have secured the release of an SHO along with his companions in an encounter with dacoits in the Kacha area of Kandkot, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday. 

SSP Zubair Nazir Shaikh said the lawmen launched an operation to secure the release of SHO Durrani Mahar Mumtaz Soomro and his companions who were abducted earlier in the morning.  The exchange of fire between the police and the robbers continued for two hours, the SSP said, adding that the robbers fled. 

During the operation, more than 10 suspected dacoits have been arrested and their five hideouts have been demolished, he added.