Abducted toddler recovered in Gharo after ransom calls traced

KARACHI: A two-year-old boy abducted from a private housing society in Manghopir was recovered safely from Gharo in Thatta district, police said on Monday, adding that no ransom was paid and efforts were continuing to arrest those involved.

The child, Azan, son of Wahab Ali, was taken on Saturday from within the jurisdiction of Manghopir police station. According to SSP West Tariq Ilahi Mastoi, the kidnappers had demanded more than Rs5 million for the boy’s release. Speaking to reporters, Mastoi said the immediate objective of the police was to ensure the child’s safe return.

Mastoi said neither the police nor the family paid any ransom. Police said CCTV footage of a suspect was obtained soon after the kidnapping, after which a case was registered and a formal investigation was launched.

Tracing calls led police to Gharo

According to police, the district’s technical team traced ransom calls made to the child’s father, which led investigators to Gharo. A special team, working with local police in Thatta, then carried out a joint operation in the area.

The child was recovered from a village, where local residents reportedly handed him over to his father outside a hotel. Mastoi said the suspects escaped. He added that multiple people, including a motorcyclist, may have been involved in the abduction. He also said there was a possibility that one group carried out the kidnapping while another made the ransom calls.

The boy’s father said he received threatening calls from Sunday into Monday night, warning him of consequences if the money was not paid. He said he informed police immediately, after which a plan was worked out. On Monday morning, a friend told him the child had been seen in Gharo. Police then accompanied him to the area, where Azan was recovered.

Father cites social media support

Wahab Ali said the case drew attention on social media, which helped generate leads. He also thanked residents of the housing society for supporting the family during the incident. He urged the society’s management to improve security arrangements and upgrade CCTV coverage to help prevent similar cases in the future.

Inspector General of Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho praised the police team for the recovery and announced commendation certificates and rewards. In a statement, he said the child’s return showed the force’s professionalism and commitment, and directed authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and the early arrest of all suspects.