LAHORE, Jan 28: Police failed to find any clue to two minor brothers on Monday who were kidnapped by six dacoits from their house in Cantonment late Sunday night.

Eight-year-old Abuzar and his younger brother Abu Huraira (6) were kidnapped by six dacoits who stormed into their house at 9pm on Sunday. They remained in the house till 12:45am and made off with cash, gold jewellery, valuables and a car.

The dacoits initially demanded Rs1 million from house owner Abdul Ghafoor Bhatti. Police sources said on Monday that the dacoits had increased ransom money from Rs1 million to Rs5 million.

Police concerned, however, denied that there was any ransom demand, saying that no such message had so far been conveyed to the family.

“We are looking into the matter,” a senior police officer said, claiming that they had collected enough evidence. “We are getting closer to them,” he claimed, saying “No further information about the progress made so far can be given”. He, however, admitted that they had so far found no clue to the boys. Further investigation was under way, he said.

It is pertinent to mention that the Cantonment area has become a hub of criminal activities. House robberies, snatching and lifting of cars and motorcycles have become order of the day and last few weeks have seen a marked increase in the hold-ups.

Meanwhile, a case was registered on the complaint of Ghafoor Bhatti. He said that the kidnappers had demanded Rs5 million as ransom. He said that they had also threatened to kill the boys if the ransom money was not paid or the matter was reported to police.