CCD cop held for 'orchestrating' businessman's kidnapping

LAHORE:

A senior officer of the Crime Control Department (CCD) has been arrested for allegedly masterminding the kidnapping of a local businessman for ransom, in what officials described as a major embarrassment for the provincial police.

According to police sources, Inspector Javed Iqbal, posted at CCD Kotwali, along with Constable Tauseef and two unidentified accomplices, abducted a trader named Waleed from the Kahna area.

The suspects, dressed in plain clothes, reportedly raided the victim's home, seizing his laptop, three mobile phones, and the CCTV DVR in an apparent bid to destroy evidence.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the abduction was financially motivated. Investigators believe the suspects targeted the victim due to his alleged involvement in Bitcoin trading, though police officially referred to him only as a "businessman."

During captivity, the victim was forced to contact his family twice.

On the second call, the kidnappers demanded Rs50 million in ransom, threatening to kill him if the amount was not paid. After negotiations, the demand was reduced to Rs4 million.

The victim's family was instructed to change drop-off locations multiple times before finally handing over the ransom near the Lahore Orange Line Station (LOS). Waleed was released soon after.

Following his safe return, the family lodged a complaint with Kahna Police, which swiftly initiated an investigation.

The probe revealed that CCD officials were behind the abduction and had used a rented vehicle for the operation.

Acting on the findings, Kahna Police arrested Inspector Javed Iqbal and Constable Tauseef. The duo was later handed over to CCD Model Town for further interrogation.

Police officials described the arrests as part of a "planned sting operation" aimed at cleansing the department of corrupt elements.