The police on Saturday claimed to have busted a gang of 11 persons who abducted the ruling All India NR Congress (AINRC) functionary for ransom here.
According to police, V. Udayakumar (42), AINRC functionary and manager of Whirl Pool Company in Thirubhuvanai and residing at Thanthai Periyar Nagar was abducted by the gang on Monday near the Ariyapalayam bridge and confined him for ransom.
Immediately Udayakumar’s brother Rajkumar lodged a complaint with the Villianur police that three persons claiming themselves to be officials of the Income Tax Department in Chennai had abducted him.
Footage of the Closed Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) installed at the Morattandi toll gate revealed that the gang members were proceeding towards Chennai in three cars along with Udayakumar.
The police teams traced the car numbers and address of the drivers with the help of information shared by the Tamil Nadu Transport Department.
They got in touch with IT officials in Chennai and learnt that no raid was conducted in Puducherry.
However, the drivers of the two cars tried to divert the attention of police by giving the impression that they were hired by the IT department. When the gang realised that the police were hot on their heels they abandoned Udayakumar near Walajabad along with his car.
On Tuesday, the police arrested four persons — Syrilnathan, Mohammed Ali, Madhan and Vimaldas -- who are all residents of Chennai in connection with the case.
Following further investigations, the police on Saturday arrested 11 persons comprising of a bank staff, journalist, income tax department staff and others.
B. Ranganathan, Circle Inspector said, “The accused planned together and lifted the victim by acting as income tax and customs officials. Due to our investigations, we have arrested so far 15 accused in connection with the case.”
The arrested persons were remanded in judicial custody later in the evening.
Solve the kidnap case of AINRC functionary and trade union leader V. Udayakumar