SUKKUR: A kidnap victim got freed by the Kashmore police told the investigators that he fell into the criminals’ trap 15 days ago when he accepted a girl caller’s invitation to meet her for friendship.

Police quoted the victim, Mohammad Ali Halepoto, as stating that he was contacted over his cellphone by a girl, or someone speaking in a girl’s voice, and was lured into friendship with her. A resident of Matli town in Badin district, Mr Halepoto stated that he travelled to Adam Jo Patan, an area close to the dacoits-infested kutcha area in Ghotki district, and was caught by a waiting gang of criminals some 15 days ago.

Kandhkot-Kashmore SSP Umar Tufail told a press conference on Monday that Mr Halepoto remained in the gang’s captivity until a police team succeeded in locating the criminals’ hideout. Sensing danger of being arrested, the gangsters tried to move to another hideout in Kashmore along with their hostage but the police blocked their way, the SSP said.

He said the police team challenged the gangsters which led to an encounter. Finally, the gangsters were overpowered and the hostage got freed, he added.

The SSP said that six of the gangsters were arrested and their arms and ammunition seized. He identified the arrested suspects as Ghulam Nabi Jagirani, Ali Baig Jagirani, Lakhan Jagirani, Gul Baig, Pervez Mirani and Shakoor Ogahi.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2015

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