KARACHI: Police in Karachi have launched an investigation after a gold trader was kidnapped and robbed of more than Rs170 million. The case, registered at Boat Basin police station under Section 365-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, has been handed over to the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC).

The victim, Muhammad Zameer, a resident of Baldia Madina Colony, reported that he was abducted in the early hours of January 7 while returning home from his office in DHA’s Khayaban-e-Muslim. He said a black Vigo intercepted his car, after which three armed men assaulted him, forced him into their vehicle, and drove away with his car.

Zameer told police that the kidnappers blindfolded him, verbally abused him, and falsely claimed he was facing multiple cases. They then accessed his mobile phone, transferring Rs28 million and Rs49 million from his accounts. He was held captive for nearly 24 hours while further demands were made.

According to the FIR, the suspects contacted Zameer’s manager, Asad, and coerced transfers of Rs50 million into accounts linked to Asad and his sister-in-law. The cash was later collected near Bahria Town on Super Highway. The kidnappers also summoned a woman named Shehzadi, obtained PIN codes for four ATM cards, and withdrew Rs25 million, followed by another Rs30 million. Additionally, Rs4 million was taken from Zameer’s EasyPaisa account.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to trace the suspects and recover the stolen funds.