Four Chinese nationals rescued after Islamabad police raid

ISLAMABAD: Capital police have rescued four Chinese nationals who were allegedly kidnapped for ransom after raiding a hideout in the Bangial area.

The operation followed the arrest of a suspect in a robbery case registered at Shalimar Police Station. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly revealed that he and his accomplices had kidnapped four Chinese nationals from F-10/4 and were holding them for ransom.

According to police, the victims were later moved to a dairy farm in Bangial, where they were kept in captivity while the kidnappers negotiated with their associates over the ransom.

The arrested suspect reportedly offered to lead police to the location where the Chinese nationals were being held.

A police team was subsequently formed and sent to the farm. Upon reaching the site, the officers surrounded the premises and launched the operation.

Police said the suspects inside the farm opened indiscriminate fire at the raiding team. The officers responded with gunfire, triggering panic in the surrounding area.

During the exchange, police managed to overpower two suspects who were allegedly guarding the hostages. The four Chinese nationals were found locked in an adjoining room and were taken into police custody unharmed.

The operation continued after the recovery of the hostages. Police arrested four additional suspects from the area and recovered weapons from their possession.

However, the alleged ringleader of the kidnapping gang managed to flee during the operation.

The rescued Chinese nationals were subsequently moved to a secure location. Police are continuing their investigation to identify other members of the gang and determine the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.

Authorities are also expected to investigate the ransom negotiations and establish whether the gang had carried out similar kidnappings in the capital or elsewhere.