September 07, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 06, 1429

HYDERABAD, Sept 6: The bandits who had taken hostage a senior Sindh government official, Munawar Junejo, contacted his family and have demanded Rs30 million as ransom. They are now negotiating with the family and have reduced the ransom amount as well, said a police source.

Police believed that the gangs of Iqbal Irani and Iqbal Brohi are involved in the kidnappings. A raid was also conducted in Matiari forest only recently following an information but to no avail. In addition to it, a police official said, a third group’s involvement is also being verified. Police source said that after having contacted the family the bandits are now in panic and wanted to settle the issue as soon as possible.

“Their movements were being monitored and the area which could be their possible hideout is under surveillance as well”, said the source.

Police sources said that they are trying to give them more time so that they could speak with the family as much as possible. It would help police to reach them, added the source. “Everyone in on board”, said an official when asked whether police have approached Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).Another police officer expressed his satisfaction over progress made by police given the fact that in such cases bandits always employed different tactics to dodge police. “We are hopeful of reaching the dacoits soon but I can’t commit anything”, said the official.