Attempt foiled: Matrimonial spat ends in kidnapping attempt of child

KARACHI:

Farrukh Patel, who works at a school in DHA, fears for his life after an attempt to kidnap him was made at his own house in the neighbourhood’s Phase VII on July 4.

However, Patel registered a complaint on July 9 against his in-laws as he and his estranged wife have been fighting a custody battle over their son, who was granted into his father’s custody. He recalled that on July 4, some men, pretending to be from the intelligence agencies, tried to take him away. They ransacked his house, looking for his child and only left in a hurry as their noises attracted a few neighbours to the gate.

Investigation officer Rashid has been trying to string together as much information as possible. On July 15, a police team raided the house of Patel’s in-laws and took his wife and her parents into custody until the matter is resolved in courts.

The dispute has been going on for the past three years. “This is a family matter and it appears his in-laws were behind the kidnapping attempt,” said Rasheed. The police have yet to file a challan in court.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2014.