Caterer kidnapped, let off after collecting ransom

HYDERABAD: A 44-year-old Ahmedabad-based businessman who was invited for a business offer in the city by four persons, said to be Rajasthan gang members, kidnapped the businessman and demanded a ransom of Rs 3 crore. The incident took place in Alwal police limits.

Even though the incident took place three days ago, it came to light today when the accused collected Rs 25 lakh through hawala and let off the victim after snatching a mobile phone and gold ornaments from him.

The victim's family members approached the Bowenpally police who refused to register cases considering the incident was fake. The victim's family members approached the Alwal police and lodged a complaint.

Alwal Inspector S V Harikrishna said that the victim is Manoj Purohit, 44, who runs a catering business in Ahmedabad. At least four persons said to be Rajasthani gang members interacted with Manoj over phone and asked him to supply food for a party that would be held in Hyderabad. For further discussions, the accused asked Manoj to visit the city.

'The accused booked a flight ticket to Manoj who arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) by a flight and arranged a cab to travel from RGIA to a home. The accused took the victim to a house in Bownepally. Later, shifted him to apartment in Alwal police limits,'' the Inspector said.

The accused confined the victim in a room and demanded Rs 3 crore ransom from the victim's family members. The family members provided Rs 25 lakh cash through hawala based on directions of the accused.

After confirming that the Rs 25 lakh cash was received by a person on behalf of accused, the accused assaulted victim and snatched his mobile phone. Later, they let him off and fled from the spot.

The victim and his family members approached the Alwal police and lodged a complaint. Based on the complaint, police registered cases and took up investigation.

Manoj who visited the police station told media that he had not seen the accused. Even though police suspect the accused are known persons to the victim, Manoj said the accused called him over his mobile offering a catering deal to serve food to more than 2000 guests at a party to be held in the city.

'I thought they were real persons and offered a business deal as I am running a catering business especially serving north Indian food. Hours after I arrived in the city and reached a home in Bowenpally, the accused started demanding amount from me. The accused assaulted and harassed me for three days by confining me in a room,' Manoj added.