PANAJI
Three persons have been apprehended for allegedly kidnapping a 32-year-old local and trying to extort money. The Panaji police said that four others including history-sheeter Ganesh Panjal are absconding.
As per case details shared with The Goan, Shaikh Khadar Basha allegedly borrowed Rs 90,000 from the accused to spend on casino gambling. Despite repeated reminders, when he failed to return the money, the accused plotted Shaikh’s kidnapping for recovery.
“He was held hostage in a car, parked near a lodge in Panaji. The accused then used the victim’s phone to make a video call to his wife for ransom. The accused assaulted him and threatened to hack him to death if he failed to return the money,” an officer said, adding that police teams were formed to crack the case upon receiving information.
“The victim is a casino player and he borrowed Rs 90,000 from the accused. A prolonged delay to return the amount prompted the accused to plot the crime,” the officer said.
The police registered an FIR under sections 324 (causing hurt by dangerous weapons), 242 (wrongful confinement), 386 (extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt), and 506 (ii) (threatening with dire consequences) read with 149 (member of unlawful assembly) of Indian Penal Code.
