KARACHI, March 4: The Anti-terrorism Court No. 3, headed by Judge Arshad Noor Khan, put off on Tuesday the hearing of a kidnapping for ransom case after the statements of the accused persons.

The judge fixed Wednesday for hearing the final arguments from special public prosecutor, Naimat Ali Randhawa, and defence counsel, Khawaja Naveed Ahmed.

Sohail Ahmed alias Sohail Commando, Masoom Bano alias Huma Jafferi, Nauman Iqbal and Abdul Adeel are being prosecuted for kidnapping Saeed Ahmed, 11, on Oct 28, last year. The accused allegedly demanded Rs10 million for the release of the boy.

According to prosecution,the kidnappers, who also faked the kidnapping of their accomplice, Nauman, contacted the victim’s father on phone and demanded Rs10 million as ransom.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family reported the matter to police and the Citizen-police Liaison Committee (CPLC).

The police picked up Khalid, a cousin of accused Nauman, and released him after grilling. Khalid allegedly told his associates to release the two boys as police had become suspicious over him.

On Oct 30, the kidnappers released their 11-year-old victim, with Nauman.

The police arrested Nauman following the statement of the victim boy and then arrested Sohail Commando, Masoom Bano and Abdul Adeel on the lead given by Nauman.