Toddler abducted for ransom recovered safely from Gharo

No ransom paid as police trace calls, launch hunt for suspects still at large

KARACHI:

A two-year-old boy abducted from a private housing society in Manghopir was recovered safely from Gharo in Thatta district, police said on Monday, adding that no ransom was paid and efforts were underway to arrest the suspects.

The child, identified as Azan, son of Wahab Ali, was kidnapped on Saturday from within the limits of Manghopir police station. According to SSP West Tariq Ilahi Mastoi, the kidnappers had demanded over Rs5 million for the child's release.

"The police's first priority was the safe recovery of the child, which has been achieved," Mastoi said while speaking to media persons. He confirmed that neither the police nor the family paid any ransom.

Police said CCTV footage of a suspect was obtained soon after the incident, prompting the registration of a case and the launch of a formal investigation. The district's technical team traced ransom calls received by the child's father, which eventually led investigators to Gharo.

A special team, in coordination with local police in Thatta, carried out a joint operation in the area. The child was recovered from a village, where locals reportedly handed him over to his father outside a hotel.

The SSP said the suspects managed to escape, adding that several people, including a motorcyclist, could be involved in the abduction. He added that there was a possibility that separate groups may have carried out the kidnapping and made ransom calls.

The child's father said he received threatening calls between Sunday and Monday night, warning him of consequences if the ransom was not paid. He informed police immediately, after which a strategy was devised. On Monday morning, a friend alerted him that the child had been spotted in Gharo. Acting on the tip-off, police accompanied the father to the area, where the boy was recovered.

Wahab Ali said the case gained traction on social media, which helped generate leads. He also praised residents of the housing society for supporting the family during the ordeal.

He urged the society's management to enhance security measures and upgrade CCTV systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.

IG Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho commended the police team for the successful recovery and announced commendation certificates and rewards. "The safe recovery of the child reflects the professionalism and commitment of Sindh Police," he said, directing authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and swift arrest of all those involved.