2 days ago
UAE-based Indian expat businessman's kidnap: Ex‑employee among 11 held
India, Kerala police have arrested eleven people, including a former employee, in connection with the kidnapping of VP Shameer, a UAE-based Indian businessman, in Malappuram district. The dramatic rescue involved a late-night car chase and a failed attempt by the kidnappers to flee across state borders.
Shameer, who owns a pharmacy chain in Sharjah and other businesses in the UAE, was visiting Kerala on Tuesday night when he was abducted near his home in Pandikkad. CCTV footage showed a gang forcing him into a Toyota Innova.
Police said the kidnappers had planned to extort millions of rupees and smuggle Shameer into the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. The gang included the former employee and several individuals with criminal records.
The investigation, led by Malappuram District Superintendent of Police R Vishwanath IPS and Perinthalmanna Deputy SP A Premjith, quickly traced the vehicle to Chavakkad in Thrissur district, where Shameer was held and reportedly assaulted. The breakthrough came after authorities received a ransom call demanding Rs 10.5 million.
The swift operation successfully rescued Shameer, highlighting the police's coordinated efforts across districts to foil the high-risk kidnapping plot.
