Neurosurgeon released by kidnappers

The doctor was set free on Hub River Road after a day of captivity.

KARACHI: A Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) neurosurgeon, who was kidnapped by unidentified men on Saturday, was released after a day of captivity.

Dr Shamsher was abducted by unidentified persons on Saturday morning when he left his residence in Orangi Town to go to work. Although the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) and other law enforcement agencies were informed about the incident, he was set free by the kidnappers at Hub River Road on Sunday.

"After kidnapping me, they blindfolded me and bound my hands and feet," the doctor narrated. "They drove for about two hours, taking me to an isolated place. Different people came in and talked to each other but they did not demand any ransom."

According to Dr Shamsher, he found a rickshaw that took him to the Murshid Hospital after his release; after he informed his family, they arrived to take him back home."

JPMC joint executive director Dr Seemin Jamali confirmed that Dr Shamsher was kidnapped while he was on his way to the hospital. "It doesn't matter how he returned; the good thing is that he is alive and back with his family and us," she said. "We appreciate the role of the CPLC, AVCC and everyone who was involved in his safe return."

Meanwhile, police officials, taking credit for his recovery, claimed that the kidnappers released the doctor out of fear of police raids since their location had been traced with the help of Dr Shamsher's cellphone.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2015.