Police to probe claim about ransom money

DIG Cheema says neurosurgeon’s statement to be recorded

QUETTA: Quetta Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Razzaq Cheema on Friday ordered an inquiry into the “Rs50 million ransom money” paid for the recovery of Civil Hospital neurosurgeon Dr Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil who was abducted from Quetta.

Talking to reporters, DIG Cheema said Dr Khalil’s statement regarding his kidnapping and release will be recorded separately. “Action will be taken against elements involved in the kidnapping,” he said.

According to Doctors Action Committee, “Rs50 million paid for the recovery of Dr Khalil”.

Further, Doctors Association Committee Chairman Dr Tahir Mandokel said the government played no role in the release of the neurosurgeon. “The surgeon [Dr Khalil] was released in Karachi from where he travelled to Quetta,” said Dr Mandokel.



Dr Khalil’s nephew, Mohammad Umar confirmed that his uncle was released in Karachi — from where he took a flight and reached Quetta.
It is pertinent to mention that the provincial government has denied such claims of ransom money paid by the family to abductors. The CM and home minister have said that the government deployed all resources in the recovery of the neurosurgeon.
The other day the association demanded that the family be compensated for the financial loss. The huddle also called for immediate arrest of the kidnappers and better security measures for the protection of doctors.

On December 13, Dr Khalil was kidnapped from Shahbaz Town, Quetta while he was on his way home from work. His car — with broken windows — was recovered by authorities concerned but the neurosurgeon could not be reached on his mobile phone then.

He returned home on January 30, after 48 days.