Three Suspects Arrested After Child Recovered Near Gharo
Karachi police have solved the kidnapping case of two-year-old Azaan and arrested three suspects.
The alleged mastermind was identified as Mohammed Ehtesham, a close friend of the child’s father.
Police said Ehtesham used his relationship with the family to gather information and avoid suspicion.
Investigators alleged that he carefully planned the kidnapping before carrying it out with two accomplices.
Azaan was abducted from a private housing society in the Manghopir area of Karachi.
The kidnapping caused widespread concern after the family appealed for help and the case received significant media attention.
Police later recovered the child safely during an operation near Gharo.
Officials said Azaan was unharmed and was reunited with his family after completing the required legal procedures.
The three suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.
Suspect Conducted Surveillance Before Abduction
Investigators said Ehtesham monitored the private housing society for three days before the kidnapping.
He allegedly studied the family’s routine, movement inside the society and security arrangements around the area.
Police said the suspect arranged the equipment required for the crime in advance.
The items included a motorcycle, helmets, clothing and a fake registration plate.
The motorcycle was allegedly used to approach the child and leave the area without attracting immediate attention.
CCTV footage from the housing society reportedly captured the kidnapping.
Police reviewed the recordings and used technical evidence to identify and trace those involved.
Investigators also examined communication records and other digital information connected with the suspects.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded Rs5 million from Azaan’s family in exchange for his release.
Police said they used WhatsApp numbers operated from outside Pakistan to conceal their identities and locations.
The use of foreign numbers was reportedly intended to mislead investigators and make the ransom calls more difficult to trace.
However, technical surveillance helped police connect the communications with the suspects.
Alleged Mastermind Joined Family’s Search Efforts
Police said Ehtesham attempted to divert suspicion after the kidnapping.
He reportedly remained with Azaan’s family and participated in the search for two days.
Investigators believe this was done to monitor the family’s actions and learn about the progress of the police investigation.
His close relationship with the child’s father initially allowed him to remain near the family without raising immediate concern.
Police later uncovered evidence allegedly connecting him with the kidnapping plan.
Officials said this part of the case showed how the suspect attempted to use the family’s trust as protection.
The child was reportedly moved from Karachi to Gharo after the abduction.
Investigators believe the suspects wanted to keep Azaan away from the city while they continued ransom negotiations.
Police teams maintained surveillance and followed several leads as the search expanded beyond Karachi.
The case also gained considerable attention through television coverage and social media.
According to investigators, growing police pressure, media attention and intervention by community elders disrupted the suspects’ plan.
The suspects allegedly decided to abandon their ransom demand and return the child.
Police Recover Motorcycle and Other Evidence
A police team launched an operation near Gharo after receiving information about the child’s location.
Azaan was safely recovered during the operation.
Police also seized the motorcycle allegedly used during the kidnapping.
A fake number plate, helmets, clothing and other items linked to the crime were recovered.
Investigators will examine the seized material as part of the criminal case.
Digital evidence, CCTV footage and communication records will also be presented during legal proceedings.
Police are continuing to question the suspects to determine whether any other person helped plan or carry out the abduction.
Officials are also investigating how the child was transported from Karachi to Gharo and where he was kept during captivity.
Senior Superintendent of Police West Tariq Ilahi Mastoi praised the investigation team for tracing the suspects and recovering the child safely.
He said technical evidence, field investigation and coordination between police teams played an important role in solving the case.
The case has also highlighted the risks families can face when sensitive information is shared with trusted individuals.
Police said further investigation is underway, while the suspects will face proceedings under relevant kidnapping and ransom laws.
