Short Term Kidnapping in Karachi - Experience and Tips from a Victim

Yesterday I got an email letter from a trusted source about the prevailing short term kidnapping in Karachi. This is a firsthand account of an unfortunate happening which is written in a  frank, horrible, and helpful manner at the same time. I thought to share that around for the sake of awareness with the prayer that may Allah keep all of us, and people around us, safe and healthy.

Here goes the letter:

Dear Freinds

Last 3 days were the most horrible days for me and my family. On the morning of 3rd June 2013 while I was in my office in Abu Dhabi, I received a hysteric call of my sister saying "Bhai Jan has been kidnaped" with no other information.

OUR SIDE OF STORY

I called my sister in law and she said that someone called from my brother's mobile that your husband has been kidnapped. dont inform any one in govt authority otherwise they will slit his throat. But do inform your closed one and the one in dubai also. wait for my next call.

having diffrent thoughts in my mind, I informed my parents who are living with me these days in Abu Dhabi. One can expect the response. Well the intention was to let them pray for thier son. In the mean

time we started to contact various close relatives in order to let them prepare for arrangement of money.

I decided to fly back home and handle the situation personally. I flew back home on 4th June. while i was at dubai air port kidnappers made another call demanding Rs. 1million. Sister in law attened the call and after receiving threats of severe consequences she agreed on 1 million to be delivered in 3 hours.

Fortunately it was banking hour and thanks to some of our relatives the amount was encashed from the banks and collected on time. they called again at 6 P.M asking to take a rikshaw and come to layari "Cheel Chowk". They waited there for 2 hours and then finally paid the ransom and thanks to allah by the time they came back home brother came back home also.

STORY AT BROTHER SIDE:

My brother told that he was going to office on II Chundrigar road from his residence (North Karachi). In order to avoid traffic of lasbella he used the way of garden via old golimar. near Agha Khan Gym khana a motor cycle with 3 passengers suddenly came in front of his car causing him to stop and then transfering him on gun point at back seat. Put dark glasses on his eyes. then he asked where is the tracker. He said the car is not having a tracker. he said no the car has a tracker installed, tell me where it is. MY brother said u belive or not the car has no tracker in it. he said what if we find out in your car. My brother said then you shoot me. Kidnapper opened the bonnet and checked immidiately and came back n said ok. They remained in the same car (black new XLI) and keep moving the car in the same area for around 3-4 hours during this time they sold the car. Then they transferred him to another car and then drove for 1 hour approx. It was a semi constructed big house where they kept him. they offered tea, water and food and at night provided mosquito repelling coil. during the initial conversation they asked to whom we can talk about you my brother said my wife at home. He asked what about brother or parents he said they are in dubai.

The next day the same kidnapper came and questioned how much you can pay he further said we are expecting 1 caror. My brother said, "listen the car belongs to the bank my salary is X amount (above 100K) and out of which these are my straight expenses and about 10K you can say are my savings per month. My bank account would be having maximum 2-3 lacs. If you are expecting 10 million or even 5 million then forget it i have apologized to God All night yesterday and now i am ready to die you just shoot me now". The kidnapper said no no...we have caught a wrong man.. but we cant leave you with out ransom as other people know and they will never leave their share. So i have decided that i have to leave you as i m feeling soft corner for you. other wise you can see the hook in the ceiling where we used to hang the kidnapee with one leg and then he speaks him self about all of his resources. We will leave you just pray that Allah put mercy in the heart of person to whom I am going to talk to ...  :-)

In the evening they took him out and kept him at a "chappar hotel" offered 2 cups of tea and then 2 guys rode him on a bike till sir syed college, gave him a Rs1000 note to take rikshaw. So he took rikshaw and came back home.

LESSONS LEARNED

During discussion with the kidnapper, Kidnapper said they has assumption that a person having XLI, city or Civic can pay ransom of Rs. 10 million. A person riding CD 70 can pay 400,000/- and a person riding 50cc bike can pay 100,000/-  So my suggestions are better to have smaller vehicle. Better if not brand new.

Some days earlier I received an email that someone suggested to keep an idle phone with sim on silent mode this could be really effective way of tracing the person. They are using untraceable sims. I think that arranegement can be done to auto recharge the mobile with the car electric system. By the way CPLC has arrangement to trace the sim even if the mobile is off while battery is connected and have some power.

Avoid taking routes from garden, purana golimar, layari express way. All exits that are connected with layyari areas specially the end of layyari express way. God forbid if some thing happens to any of you or in your circle, do negotiate but show your complete willingness to act on thier instructions. Inform CPLC they will act after having your advice and agreement. and in last the most important instrcution is to make Duas and recitation as allah is the ultimate authority. no one can save us if he has chosen us to meet him and nothing can harm us if he chose to protect us.

May allah keep you and your family members all safe.

Best Regards

XXX