DERA GHAZI KHAN, Jan 5: The Bosan Gang, which is notorious for kidnapping for ransom in katcha areas of Muzaffargarh on the eastern side of the Sindh river, Rajanpur on its western side, and Dera Ghazi Khan , has kidnapped for Rs5 million a former councillor of Jatoi tehsil (Muzaffargarh).

Besides the ex-councillor, who is also a known landlord, a police constable has been kidnapped. The two men, as reports revealed, were guiding the police party operating for the recovery of another kidnapped landlord.

Information gleaned by this correspondent said the Bosan Gang had kidnapped a week ago Shaukat Jat from Mauza Lundi Pitafi of Jampur tehsil (Rajanpur). The Jampur and Muzaffargarh police launched manhunt on both sides of the river.

According to police sources, Jampur police started operation from Bait Chajra of Kotla Mughlawn on Jan 3 when they stopped three suspects riding a motorbike.

The suspects, however, opened fire on police who retaliated and shot dead one of them identified as Ismail Mahaiser. Another suspect, Ghafoor Gopang, suffered injuries while the third managed to flee. Ghafoor is said to be treated for his wounds under the vigilance of the police.

Policemen Imran and Abdul Wahid, who were among those injured in the encounter, were also under treatment. Former councillor Abdul Lateef and constable Abdul Qadir, who were guiding the police team on a search operation in Muzaffargarh, were kidnapped by the Bosan Gang which later demanded Rs5 million for the release of the former. It also demanded that the police abandon their chase or find the constable in grave.

The Bosan Gang has failed the writ of the government in the areas falling on both sides of the river in the three districts. The Dera Ghazi Khan Range police, too, have failed to restore law and order and provide security to the citizens.

It is pertinent to mention that one and-a-half year ago, the gang had circulated pamphlets for recruitment against handsome salary packages. Sources said the gang was also involved in smuggling.