Businessman Released After $20,000 Ransom Paid Following Alleged DHA Kidnapping
LAHORE: A local businessman, Khalid Sheikh, who was allegedly kidnapped in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), was released by his abductors after a ransom of $20,000 was paid.
Khalid Sheikh, the owner of a biscuit factory and resident of DHA Phase IV, was reportedly embroiled in a business dispute worth Rs350 million with influential traders from Quetta, who are suspected of orchestrating the abduction. According to sources, the kidnappers utilized a vehicle belonging to the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) to carry out the kidnapping.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded Rs150 million for Sheikh’s release, but negotiations led to the amount being settled at $20,000.
Details of the ransom exchange reveal that the kidnappers sent a representative to Chungi Amar Sindhu Lahore to collect the money. Using a secret code, “Amanat 5,” the family of the victim confirmed the handover of the cash.
It is alleged that some officials from the Lahore police investigation wing were bribed to suppress the case, which had been filed by Sheikh’s brother, Sheikh Tariq, against five unidentified armed men. The kidnappers are also suspected of using facilitators based in Lahore to assist in the crime.
According to the FIR, the kidnapping took place on September 24, when a double cabin vehicle hit Sheikh’s car from behind near Sui Gas Society in DHA. Five armed men then forced Sheikh into their vehicle and drove away. Sheikh reportedly informed his captors that he had $20,000 in cash at his residence, leading to his release after the ransom was paid.
Lahore Cantonment Division SP Awais Shafiq confirmed that police had identified one of the facilitators involved in the kidnapping, who has been handed over for further investigation. While police have been tight-lipped on the details, Lahore Investigation SSP Mohammad Naveed called the case “highly sensitive” and stated that the matter is still under investigation.
This kidnapping highlights ongoing tensions between the businessman and his adversaries, who have been in civil litigation over a disputed amount of Rs350 million. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover more details surrounding the crime.
