Free at last: Kidnapped businessman set free after three months

SHIKARPUR:

A Karachi-based businessman, GM, who was kidnapped about three months ago, was released for ransom near the Jagan area of Sultankot, which is known to be home to many criminals.

The culprits had asked his family to pay Rs300 million for his release, but the amount was lowered to Rs50 million after a police official stepped in as a mediator between the two parties. The businessman was set free on Thursday after the agreed amount was handed over to the kidnappers.

Sources privy to the matter told daily Sindh Express that GM fell sick during captivity, which is why his family agreed to pay such a large sum of money for his quick release. But police officials have refuted claims that a deal had taken place between the family and the kidnappers. DSP Muhammad Hasham Memon was not even aware that GM had been set free in his jurisdiction. “Who is GM? I don’t know anything about him,” said SHO Hamayon Sudheer Bhayo, who is posted in the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2012.