Nabarangpur: Five persons have been arrested Monday in connection with the kidnap of a businessman, Sadashiv Sahoo alias Sunil, a Nabarangpur-based hotelier and a nominee of Lok Sabha MP, of Nandahandi block November 8.
The arrested persons have been identified as Surendra Nag, 20, Subash Harijan, 27, Daitary Harijan, 26, Suresh Harijan, 32, and Suman Kumar Padhi, 26.
The police have seized a Mahindra Scorpio (SUV), cash worth Rs 80, 000 and a pistol with two live bullets from their possession. The scientific team also seized a lathi, glasses, slippers and blood-stained grass where Sunil was abducted.
The accused were later forwarded to court, police said adding they were later remanded in judicial custody after the court turned down their bail pleas.
Sunil was abducted while he was going to his house November 8 at 4 pm. The accused took snatched his gold chain weighing 17 grams and Rs 35, 000 and kept him captive for five days with his eyes blindfolded. The men, however, released the victim near Jeypore at 7 pm November 12.
Since then, a five-member team was formed to zero in on the culprits involved in the kidnapping. A case was registered at Nabarangpur police station under section 363/364 (A)/343/34/120(b) of IPC and Section 25/27 of Arms Act.
Meanwhile, raids are being conducted to nab the other accused involved in the crime, police said.
Recounting what had happened, Sunil said, “After taking ‘prasad’ at Nabarangpur Jagannath temple Thursday noon I went to Dangarbheja (Nandahandi) block office. After my work there, I was returning to my home when the abductors, ten or so in number, waylaid me. They overpowered me and took me with them after blindfolding me with a cloth. I was kept blindfolded for days together before they released me after cops’ intervention. Till now, I have no idea why they had kidnapped me.”
A probe is underway as to why they had kidnapped Sunil and so many persons were involved in the case, a senior police official said.
PNN