ISLAMABAD, Jan 7: The city police have recovered a three-year-old boy, who had been kidnapped for ransom, and arrested four accused, including the child’s cousin.

During a news conference here on Wednesday, Superintendent of Police (SP) West Circle Nasir Aftab said Zain, son of Khalid Khattak, who was a property dealer, was kidnapped while he was playing outside his house in G-12/4 on Monday.

The incident came to light when the family members found the boy missing after which they started searching for him. Later the boy’s father was informed about the disappearance of the child by his brother-in-law. The family then approached Golra police and lodged a complaint.

During preliminary investigation, the police were informed by Khalid Khattak’s nephew that he and Zain were kidnapped by four persons at gunpoint in a black Pajero. Later the accused dropped him near Nust and sped away with Zain.

On further interrogation, the complainant and neighbours confirmed that Khalid’s nephew had taken the child from the house.

The victim’s father received a phone call in which the kidnappers demanded Rs3 million as ransom for the safe release of his son.

A police team was constituted, which took Khalid’s nephew into custody, who during interrogation confessed to having kidnapped the child and disclosed the place where the boy was being kept by his accomplices.

The team raided the house in New Shakrial and recovered the victim and arrested three persons. The police said efforts were underway to arrest the two remaining accomplices of the accused.

The police said the poor economic condition forced the accused to commit the crime. He made a plan to grab the money and start his own business.

Khalid Khattak used to financially support the accused and his family by giving cash to them. He had also arranged a taxi for him to earn his livelihood.