LEAs arrest four kidnappers, rescue man in joint raid in Karachi

Kidnappers, posing as intelligence agency officials, had abducted Ghulam Shabbir on April 27 from Mehmoodabad

KARACHI: In a joint operation, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) recovered a man, who was abducted last month, and apprehended kidnappers in a raid in Karachi on Saturday.

A press release issued by Pakistan Rangers said that a phone call was received on April 27 that some unidentified persons, posing as intelligence agency personnel, had kidnapped Ghulam Shabbir from Mehmoodabad locality.

Two days later, a kidnapper, who introduced himself as Major Asfand, contacted Shabbir's relatives. Later, Asfand met with the family of the abducted man and demanded Rs50 million in ransom. He also threatened to kill the abductee if the family contacted Rangers or police, read the statement.



Shabbir was rescued by the law enforcement agencies on Saturday in a joint operation conducted by Pakistan Rangers and Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Four kidnappers were also arrested during the raid while two managed to escape. A search operation was being conducted to bring them to book as well.

According to the press release, the arrested kidnappers include Ahmed Shah alias Major Asfand aka Arsalan, fake intelligence officer Mohammad Arshad, fake CTD official Khurram Waris aka Butt and fake excise department official Shahid Khan alias Mitha.

Rangers said that Mitha was also the brother-in-law of the abducted Shabbir, adding that he was also one of the kidnappers who was supposed to collect the ransom money.



During the preliminary investigation, the accused revealed that they used to introduce themselves as officers of Excise, NAB, Intelligence Bureau and other intelligence agencies, the statement said.

Further revelations were also expected from gang leader Ahmad Shah aka Major Asfandyar aka Arsalan and other arrested kidnappers. The arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for further legal action.