In a serious case of kidnapping for ransom, as many as 13 people, including two children, were abducted at gunpoint by armed dacoits from a mango orchard in Sadiqabad.The kidnappers took the abducted individuals, who apparently were all laborers, to their own controlled ‘kacha’ region. The incident, especially the inclusion of minors among other individuals, have caused widespread concern among locals. 

The victims have been identified as Nadeem Ahmed, Rasheed Ahmed, Waseem Ahmed, Saddam Hussain, Gul Hassan, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Hanif, Nadeem, Kashif, Majid Umair, Shahmeer Ahmed, and Tanveer Ahmed.  The jurisdictional dispute between the Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan police departments has further complicated the situation. 

While some officials claimed that the abduction took place in Bhong area, within Rahimyar Khan’s limits, others said that it happened in Rajanpur’s Sonmiani area. This has deepened the situation and has hindered the efforts to launch a swift and coordinated police action, since both police departments are currently focused on verifying the territorial boundaries involved. 

A noticeable rise in high-profile ransom kidnappings has sparked public outcry, with citizens calling for unified and swift action from the relevant authorities.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)