KARACHI, Dec 20: The first prosecution witnesses SI Ali Mohammed was examined here on Saturday before Haq Nawaz Baloch, Judge, Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC-V) for Karachi division in a kidnapping for ransom case.

The witness, a police official of Anti-Violence Cell, deposed about arrest of the accused by investigation officer Inspector Ateeq-ur-Rahman.

Accused Asif Junejo, Alauddin Junejo and Rustam Haider are facing charges under Section 365-A and Section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA, 1997) for kidnapping Syed Raza Abbas Zaidi.

The ATC judge later put off further hearing till Jan 1.

According to the prosecution, the accused in custody abducted the victim from Country Club Apartments, Sea View, Clifton, Karachi, with the assistance of absconding accused Natasha alias Tania, Zeeshan alias Burger, Ab-Sufiyan, Haji Mashooq Ali Brohi and Rafique Jatt.

They held him hostage and demanded Rs 20 million as ransom but later freed the victim after receiving Rs 7 million.

—APP