Mohammad Nader Alemi, a psychiatrist and head of the mental health department of Mazar-e-Sharif hospital, was killed after being abducted and held for two months. 

Alemi’s son, Ahmad Royen, said security officials called them on Friday morning saying that Alemi’s body has been found. 

According to Royen, his father was kidnapped by unknown armed men two months ago from Mazar-e-Sharif. 

Royen said the kidnappers had asked for $800,000 as ransom, but finally they agreed to release him in exchange for $350,000. Royen said they had paid the money, but his father was still killed.

“He was old and was suffering from some health problems. There are signs of beating on his body too,” he said. 

A number of doctors in Balkh province said they are worried about their security. 

Ghawsuddin Anwari, a doctor, said: “This is worrying for doctors who work in Balkh province.” 

Shiekh Mir Sadam, head of Balkh’s health department, said security forces are working to identify the killers. “Some people have been arrested in relation to this incident and an investigation is ongoing,” he said. 

Balkh doctors said Alemi had worked as a psychiatrist for 40 years and was the founder of the first private psychiatric hospital in Balkh. 

Alemi’s relatives urged the Islamic Emirate to identify his killers and bring them to justice. 

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said eight kidnappers had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Alemi and two other people.