The body of one of the most senior Taleban commanders, killed in fighting last month, was returned to his family yesterday in exchange for the release of four medical workers taken hostage by the group.

Mullah Dadullah, a one-legged commander known for his cruelty and military prowess, was one of the Taleban’s most feared leaders. The release came late on Wednesday after rebels beheaded a fifth medical worker, claiming that the Afghan Government had stalled on a deal to hand over the body.

The five – a doctor, three nurses and driver – were kidnapped in Kandahar province on March 27. They had been administering vaccines in a refugee camp.

The beheaded body, believed to be that of the doctor, was, according to insurgents, left near a British base in Kajaki, northern Helmand. According to Shuhabuddin Athul, who claims to speak for the Taleban, the family of the doctor could now retrieve the body.

The deal was confirmed by General Esmat Alizai, the chief of police for Kandahar province, where Dadullah was buried at a secret location. He told The Times: “Last night at midnight we handed over the body of Dadullah to his closest relative. I cannot confirm which relative, but I can confirm it was one his closest ones.”

One of the released medical workers, named only as Musa, said that they were freed yesterday morning in the Gereshk district of Helmand province.

“This morning the Taleban blindfolded us and put us in a vehicle. In Gereshk they opened our eyes and told us to go since our relatives were waiting,” he told the Associated Press news agency.

“Two days ago they took Dr Khalil. We do not know whether he is alive or dead.”

He said that during their captivity they were well treated, fed and allowed to pray, but their release came as a surprise. “We were not expecting to be released. We are very happy to return home safely,” he said.

It is believed that President Karzai had ordered the release of Dadullah’s body on Monday, but it was not acted upon quickly enough. The rebels said that would kill one captive a day until they had the body of the commander. They were eager to give Dadullah a Muslim burial at a location where his relatives and followers could pay their respects.

The deal to release Dadullah’s body was driven by his brother, Mansoor Dadullah, who has taken over the role as the military commander of the Taleban and has promised an increase in suicide attacks and fighting to avenge his brother’s death.

Mansoor Dadullah was himself released from an Afghan prison in March as part of a much criticised exchange under which five Taleban prisoners were freed in return for the release of the Italian journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo. Mr Mastrogiacomo was being held by insurgents in Helmand province. His driver and translator, who were not included in the deal, were beheaded.

Times Recommends

• Times Charity Appeal: SolarAid
• Is it Black Monday all over again for Dubai?
• Behind the scenes at the biggest deal