RAHIM YAR KHAN: Dacoits kidnapped a Hindu labourer on Friday night and for his safe return sought the release of their accomplice presently in the Sadiqabad police custody.

Reports said Munawwar Jee worked at a cattle farm near Basti Kalwar in the Bhong police limits. He was on duty along with some other employees when dozens of armed dacoits stormed in and held them hostage.

They picked up Munawwar and drove him to the Katcha area.

Police chased the outlaws and exchanged fire with them but could not free the hostage.

Kidnappers later released a video clip on social media showingMunawar Jee in chains.

Speaking in the video, outlaw Chaloo Bakhrani claimed that Punjab police had picked his brother Jamil last night. He warned police to release his brother otherwise the captive would be killed.

The dacolts were seen beating Munawwar who requested the Hindu community to observe a strike in Bhong to get him freed.