Orthopaedic surgeon says he was kidnapped by ‘mistake’

HYDERABAD: Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Rais Pervez Khan, who was kidnapped late Monday, was left outside his house Thursday morning by the kidnappers.

Dr Khan told Express News that the kidnappers took him away by mistake and they were looking for someone else. Once they found out that he was not who they were looking for, they left him outside his house.

The doctor’s family was relieved when he came back as they have been on a strike since the day he went missing. Dr Khan said that it was the most difficult time of his life when he was in the kidnappers’ custody.

According to PPI news agency, Dr Khan was left outside his home at 6 am on Thursday. Dr Karamchand, a close associate of the surgeon, said that four armed men kidnapped Dr Khan and blindfolded him as they took him to an unknown location.

Dr Khan revealed upon his return that he was kept in a room made of mud and two days later he was released at the bypass in Hyderabad.

The hospital staff and several doctors celebrated Dr Khan’s release and distributed sweets among the poor.

Dr Khan’s son, Dr Rais Mustafa Pervez, told the media that his father was resting. He added that his father refused to give details of his kidnapping.

Dr Karamchand and SHO Market Liaquat Jeskani dispelled the notion that the family had paid ransom and that the doctor was released due to pressure from the police.

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) had announced earlier that they will launch a movement to recover the doctor.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Dr Jaffar of PMA said that the association had gained the support of political parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

The hospital administration had believed that a group of extortionists were behind the kidnapping.

A resident of a goth near Kali Mori came to the hospital Monday night and demanded extortion from Dr Khan. When the doctor refused, he threatened him with dire consequences and the kidnapping took place the same night, an official said, believing that there was a connection.

The doctor’s father, Dr Rais Mushtaq Khan, registered a kidnapping-for-ransom case against four unidentified men with the Market police the day it happened.

The staff and residents of Hirabad had taken to the streets on Tuesday. They blocked Jail Road by burning tyres and putting up barriers.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2010.