KOHAT, Oct 19: A contact was established between the kidnappers of Sunil, a resident of Sargodha, who had been kidnapped from Mattani on Friday, and his family on Tuesday night.

Talking to Dawn on Wednesday, Father Suhail Patrick, who is a friend of Mr Sunil, said he would leave for Mattani to hold talks with the kidnappers for the release of his friend. He said a deal had been struck with kidnappers through a third party, but he did not give details.

In reply to a question, he complained that the Mattani police had not registered a ‘proper’ case. He said the SHO had told them that there was nothing to worry about, adding that it was a ‘routine’ matter as criminals became active before Eid to make some money.

According to Father Patrick, the SHO assured them that the captive would be released unharmed.

Sources said that Mr Sunil was coming to Kohat in the car of Father Patrick when he was kidnapped on Friday. The car was found abandoned with its CNG kit and tape-recorder missing.