Kidnapped trader rescued; 1arrested

Abohar, December 29

An industrialist, who was allegedly kidnapped for ransom from Hanumangarh yesterday evening, was rescued today, the police said. One of the five kidnappers was arrested.

Hanumangarh SHO NR Bhadoo said one Neeraj informed the police that his friend Ashok Garg (45) had been kidnapped at gunpoint by some persons who sought lift when he was driving his car to Munda village. The crime took place near the toll barrier on the highway. He was reportedly kept in a house in Kishanpura village. The SHO said the kidnappers demanded Rs 3 lakh to free him.

After preliminary investigation, the police conducted a raid as the house had been identified with the help of local residents. As the cops stormed the house, Jaswant Singh (24) was nabbed as he tried to scale the boundary wall. However, four persons, including two women, managed to flee through other outlets.

Garg said the miscreants, after boarding the car, pointed a weapon and forced him to drive to the village. They allegedly snatched Rs 35,000, a mobile phone, a gold ring and a bag that contained some documents.

The police have recovered the car, but other items are yet to be found. One of the suspected women had come from Punjab, the police added. — OC