Moradabad:  A child kidnapped for ransom was recovered by the police after an encounter in which two kidnappers and a Sub-Inspector were injured in Bilari area of Moradabad district here in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, a senior police officer said here.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hemraj Meena told UNI that Vaidik Gupta (7), a resident of Sector 9-B in Buddhi Vihar colony was kidnapped by car-borne miscreants on Saturday evening while he was cycling in front of his house.

"Around one hour later Vaidik's father received a call from an unknown number demanding a ransom of Rs 40 lakh," he said.

He said that the CCTV footage revealed that Vaidik was kidnapped by miscreants travelling in a white car.

"On Sunday the location of the miscreants was traced in the Bilari area. When the police surrounded the car the miscreants attempted to flee," he said.

The SSP said that when challenged the miscreants opened fire on the police team and in retaliatory firing the kidnappers sustained bullet injuries after which they were arrested.

"A SI Anuj Kumar was injured in the firing," he said.

He said that Vaidik has been rescued safely.

"The kidnappers have been identified as Shashank Mehta alias Vicky (35) and Ankush Sharma (22), who is Vaidik's neighbour. The kidnappers and the SI have been admitted to the hospital," they said.

Meena said that when quizzed the kidnappers revealed that they were facing financial crunch owing to which they hatched the conspiracy to kidnap Vaidik.

(With UNI inputs)