Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 2: Former minister Varthur Prakash in a complaint filed in Bellandur police station here, claimed that a gang of eight had kidnapped him along with his driver in connection with land dealings. He said that the gang assaulted both of them and demanded a ransom of Rs 30 crore. He also said he had to pay Rs 48 lac to secure release.

Prakash claimed that he was returning to his residence in the city from his farmhouse at Begli Hosahalli in Kolar district on November 25 when he was kidnapped from within Bellandur police station limits. "We were dumped for three days in an unknown spot. We were attacked and threatened that unless Rs 30 crore is paid, we would not be able to remain safe. Car driver Sunil too was hit" he stated. Prakash visited Bellandur police station at around 7 pm on Tuesday, December 1 and filed the complaint, seeking to take action against his kidnappers.

As per Prakash's version, he was released by the kidnappers on November 28. It is not known why he took four days to complain. An official said that a case of kidnap and assault for ransom has been registered and investigation has been begun.