Kidnapped from Gazipur, DMCH doctor returns home to family 'after paying Tk1.3 lakh ransom'

A Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) doctor, who was kidnapped in Gazipur, returned home today reportedly after paying a ransom of Tk1.3 lakh.

Dr Mohammad Aminur Rahman, a neurosurgeon at the DMCH, provides consultation at a private clinic in Sreepur, Gazipur. He was kidnapped yesterday (11 January) evening when he was on his way back to Dhaka.

Contacted, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sreepur Police Station Joynal Abedin Mondol said Aminur's family had reported the incident. The police then traced his phone to three locations. An operation had been launched to rescue him, but in the meantime, the family informed the police today that Aminur made it back home.

He also mentioned that Aminur has yet to file an official complaint. "If a complaint is filed, legal action will be taken accordingly," said the OC.

Aminur's wife Luna said the kidnappers physically assaulted her husband, as well as threatened and pressured her into paying ransom. 

After nine hours of captivity, they released him early this morning on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway between Hotapara and Rajendrapur areas in Gazipur.

"He came home appearing weak. He is now undergoing treatment at the DMCH. The incident was reported to the Sreepur Police Station and RAB," she said.

Aminur's cousin Syed Moazzem Hossain Milton said the doctor had gone to the Gazipur clinic at around 2pm yesterday from Dhaka. At around 6pm, Aminur called his wife. Later, another person informed her over the phone that Aminur had been kidnapped and demanded Tk2 lakh ransom for his release. They were forced to send Tk1.3 lakh in three instalments. The kidnappers kept calling until 11pm, pressuring them for the remaining amount.

According to Aminur's family members, the kidnappers also took his credit card, two smartphones, and a laptop.