KARACHI, Jan 9: An alleged kidnapper was killed in a shootout with police late Thursday night. Police said Saad Askari, 2, son of a trader, Feroz Askari, was kidnapped by one of the security guards previously posted at Mr Askari's shop.

A CPLC spokesman said Safdar had been dismissed by his employer - M M S Security - some 15 days back. Safdar came to the Mr Feroz's shop and took Saad with him to get some sweets.

Later, in the afternoon Safdar called Mr Feroz and demanded Rs3.5 lakh as ransom for the release of Saad. The family reported the matter to Gulistan-i-Jauhar police, and a joint team of Anti-Violent Crime Cell and CPLC was set up which started surveillance of the suspected area.

Finally, the team tracked down the hideout of the kidnapper in Malir where an encounter took place. During an exchange of fire, kidnapper Safdar was killed and the boy was recovered.