[3] The operation targeted the Chotu gang, a band of dacoits (bandits) who regularly committed murders, kidnappings, and highway robbery.

[10] A suicide bombing in Lahore, had links with dacoits in southern Punjab, resulting in a harsh response by the government.

[11] The Chotu gang, using their familiarity of the terrain to their advantage, decided to stay in a heavily forested riverine island called Kacha Jamal.

Police forces attempted an amphibious landing, engaging in a firefight with the gang, but were outwitted, resulting in seven policemen being killed and 24 being abducted.

Punjab Rangers fired mortar rounds to halt any advance of the Chotu gang, who were using 24 captured police officers, including an SHO as human shields.