KOHAT, Oct 25: An outlaw, who had kidnapped several businessmen for ransom in Kohat, was killed in an exchange of fire with the law enforcement agencies in the Orakzai tribal agency, 23 kilometres north west of here.

An operation is being conducting in the area to recover an auto parts dealer who was abducted at gunpoint last week.

The administration also managed to recover one Faizullah Khan, who was kidnapped from Ibrahimzai three months back by the kidnappers, who belong to the Manikhel tribe of the agency.

Orakzai Agency assistant political agent Fakhruddin said on Thursday night that the Thall scouts and the Khasadars engaged in the operation had arrested more then 30 people belonging to the accused tribe. Besides, the Kadda-Karez road, which connects the area with other parts of the agency, had also been blocked to pressure the kidnappers to give in, he added.

One of the most wanted kidnappers belonging to the group, Shehwan, was killed in exchange of fire with the personnel of Thall.

He said that the elders were holding talks with the kidnappers to get released Mansoor, an auto parts dealer. He said that the operation would continue till the recovery of Mansoor and arrest of the accused.