SUKKUR, Dec 18: A modern-day Aphrodite lured dozens of men into his trap by first befriending them and after developing an understanding ripped them off their money and self-respect, as far as from Punjab to Sindh.

The Ghotki police on Thursday arrested members of a gang of kidnappers and their ring leader during a raid in Mir Kosh village near Ubauro.

The gang’s modus operandi was to ape the voice of a female while conversing with their targeted victim and entice them into their web by befriending them on cell phone. The gang was successful in charming 18 people from Punjab and six from Sindh in 30 months.

DPO Ghotki Javed Jaskani on a tip off raided the village with a heavy police contingent and arrested Sajjad alias Shazia, Ali Gul and Nawab, allegedly involved in kidnapping 24 people for ransom.

Sajjid alias Shazia told police that he along with 12 others had kidnapped 24 people, of which 18 belonged to Punjab and six to Sindh in 30 months. He said that the gang had extracted more than Rs30 million from their hostages.

The DPO told journalists that accused Sajjid used to mimic in female voice on phone and after developing some understanding with his victim would lure him to a meeting at Rawnti near Ubauro, Ghotki district. Once the victim reached the designated place, Sajjad and his accomplices would kidnap him and release him after taking ransom. The highest stake was of Rs5 million.

According to DPO, the scheme was narrated by Taufeeq Akbar of Toba Tek Singh who too, had fallen into the trap of making friends with Sajjad and had come all the way to have a heart-to-heart meeting with his beloved Shazia. Lady-luck came in his way and saved him in the nick of time. The dejected hero then approached police and told them of his experience.

The DPO said that only last week Arif Arain of Ghotki was lucky to have evaded their mesh but lost Rs100,000 while facilitating easy loads for Shazia’s mobile phone. The easy load unloaded his pocket heavily. He declined to tell the ransom amount he paid for his freedom.

According to DPO, Kot Sabzal police of Punjab had confirmed the kidnapping of 19 people from Punjab, but no one had lodged a case out of embarrassment.

Further investigation was under way.