MITHI, Dec 23: Three men, who were kidnapped from Kaloi, Diplo taluka, about nine weeks ago, have reached their homes after being released by the kidnappers.

Speaking at a press conference here on Sunday at the office of the DPO, Tharparkar, the freed hostages — Ashok, Atma Ram and Bhoormal — said that as they were poor and were not in a position to pay ransom, they were released by the kidnappers.

They said that they were kidnapped by the five bandits, who kept them blindfolded in ditches at different places, probably near Kunri, Tando Adam and Tando Allahyar. They added that finally, they were left at Hyderabad-Tando Allahyar road, from where they arrived here.

However, it is generally believed that the hostages were released on payment of a handsome amount.