Steephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod
Kasargod, Jun 23: The Kumbla police have arrested two individuals in connection with the abduction and extortion of a young man and his female friend. The terrifying incident unfolded when the victims were seated in their car.
The arrested accused have been identified as Afzal (29) and Mohammed Mansoor (27), both residents of Mogral Maimoona Nagar in Kumbla. The police have launched a manhunt for the third accused, who is currently absconding.
According to the police, the young man and woman were talking inside their parked car near Ananthapura in Kumbla on Monday afternoon. Three men unexpectedly arrived in an auto-rickshaw, confronted the youth, and assaulted him while brandishing lethal weapons. The miscreants also reportedly misbehaved with the young woman.
The gang then forcefully took control of the car, holding the duo hostage, and drove recklessly towards Seethangoli. Upon reaching a liquor outlet in Seethangoli, they snatched Rs 500 and a mobile phone from the young man to purchase alcohol. They further threatened him at knifepoint, demanding an extortion amount of Rs 50,000.
The abduction came to light when the miscreants, who were driving at a high speed, collided with another car on the Seethangoli road. A heated altercation and a physical fight broke out between the two parties following the crash.
Upon receiving information, the police on duty in Seethangoli rushed to the spot. The accused reportedly engaged in a verbal duel with the officers as well. Assessing the gravity of the situation, the police swiftly overpowered and took two of the accused into custody.
Police records reveal that the accused are notorious offenders. Afzal was the prime accused in a 2014 murder case registered at the Kumbla police station and also has pending cases related to drugs and drunk driving. Meanwhile, Mansoor faces several serious charges, including attempted murder, theft, and violations under the Arms Act.
Further investigations into the case are currently underway.