Trader, driver abducted in Taxila for Rs30m ransom

TAXILA: A businessman and his driver were allegedly kidnapped in the Taxila area of Rawalpindi after armed men intercepted their vehicle and took both men away, while a demand for Rs30 million was later made for their release, police said.

According to the first information report, complainant Muhammad Rizwan told police that his father, Muhammad Saleem, had left for work in a Land Cruiser with his driver, Taimoor. Rizwan, a contractor from Thatta Khalil, Taxila, said he was following them when the incident took place near Dhok Panoo.

Police said Rizwan stated that a vehicle approaching from behind forced Saleem's Land Cruiser to stop. Five armed men then got out, pulled Saleem and Taimoor from the vehicle and took them away in their own car. He further stated that one of the suspects took control of the Land Cruiser as well. Rizwan said he tried to stop the men but was threatened at gunpoint.

Police officials said a call was received soon afterwards from an overseas number demanding Rs30 million for the release of the two abductees as well as the vehicle. A case has been registered on charges of kidnapping for ransom, and investigators have begun work on the case, according to police.