MUZAFFARGAHR: A young man from Layyah was kidnapped by Katcha area bandits in Sindh, who are demanding a ransom of Rs30 million from his family.

Iftikhar Kalasra, a resident of Basti Shah Habib in Layyah district, was kidnapped as the gangs trapped him by offering cheap seeds in Sindh.

A video of Iftikhar has gone viral on social media, showing him crying for help while chained.

The family, who are of modest means, have appealed to the police chief to rescue Iftikhar, as they are unable to pay the hefty ransom. They demanded the government assist in the recovery of Iftikhar.

This kidnapping marks the third such incident in the past week in Layyah district.

The police said a case had been registered against unidentified perpetrators.

ENCOUNTER: A hardened criminal was injured during a police encounter in the limits of Karor Lal Eesan police on Saturday.

Ismatullah, who was wanted in over 45 serious crimes, was injured by his own accomplices during the exchange of fire.

According to a police spokesperson, the confrontation occurred when police attempted to stop suspicious motorcyclists at a blockade, prompting the robbers to open fire. In the ensuing shootout, Ismatullah was seriously injured by bullets fired by his fellow gang members.

His accomplices, Abdul Rahman, Manoor Ali, and Dilawar Hussain, managed to escape.

Ismatullah was shifted to Karor lal Essan Tehsil Headquarters Hospital for medical treatment. He is linked to several inter-district gangs, including the Doda and Kashmira gangs, and was wanted for multiple thefts, robberies, and other serious crimes.

The police recovered a motorcycle and a pistol from the scene and are conducting raids to arrest the absconding suspects.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2024