In a swift operation, the Madurai district and city police foiled a bid to kidnap a real estate businessman of Tindivanam and arrested seven persons on Tuesday evening. The police seized an SUV used for the kidnap. However, the main accused, I. Thanganarayanan of Tirunelveli district is said to be absconding.
The police said that the businessman, Chockalingam, had promised to sell 15 acres of land in Tirunelveli district to Thanganarayanan a few years back. After paying Rs. 11 lakh in advance, Thanganarayanan found that the land had some encumbrance following which he terminated his land transaction and sought his money back.
Chockalingam, who had agreed to pay the money with interest, did not keep his promise.
On Tuesday, when Chockalingam went to his relative's residence at Surya Nagar, Thanganarayanan, along with seven others, forcibly took him in the SUV.
When his relatives alerted the police control room, the city police intercepted the vehicle within a few minutes. The accused have been handed over to the rural police. Further investigation is on.