HYDERABAD, Jan 11: The kidnapped EDO health of Tando Allahyar, Dr Abdul Jalil Bachani, returned to his Hyderabad home in Citizen Colony on Saturday night amid conflicting reports about payment of ransom.

Police have taken the usual line that his release followed mounting pressure on dacoits by police ever since the kidnapping. Neither the EDO nor his brother and Tando Allahyar PPP leader Abdul Sattar Bachani were available to provide details.

A police statement issued on Sunday evening said that he was released near Petaro after police mounted pressure on dacoits’ gang, led by Ali Bux Loond. Police described Ali Sher’s arrest a big success which forced the bandits to free the hostage. At last, the bandits asked police to receive Bachani in Petaro area, police said.

On the other hand, another report said that Bachani was released in the Sakrand area of Benazirabad district. “A report is in circulation here that an influential man of Loond community from Dadu district has played a significant role in ensuring release of Bachani after payment of ransom”, said an associate of Sattar Bachani from Tando Allahyar.

However, police would verify this information as well whether this version is correct or not. The same man had earlier ensured release of engineers belonging to a friendly country after they were kidnapped in 90s.

EDO Bachanni himself couldn’t be reached over his cell phone for confirmation of ransom’s payment as his personal assistant said that he is busy and would get back to this correspondent after some time.

He, however, himself told a local TV channel last night that Rs30 million were demanded as ransom.

A police source, associated with investigation of kidnapping case from day one, while speaking to Dawn on condition of anonymity hinted at ransom. “Some more suspects have been nabbed by police and there is strong possibility that ransom money would be recovered”, he said.

Reports said that after release of Bachani one police party is working in Nawabshah district while another is present in Hatri following information of presence of Ali Bux Loond, prime accused of case and ring leader. DPO Hyderabad Ghulam Nabi Memon is leading the operation in Hatri with a heavy contingent of police. “The release seems to be the result of police pressure on dacoits apparently”, said police official.

EDO Bachani was kidnapped on November 22 while he was returning to Tando Allahyar from a marriage ceremony along with his wife and driver. They were taken away in a truck but after covering some distance the driver and his wife were freed.