Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (IANS): Police Saturday rescued the chairman of the ARSS Group Subash Agarwal and his cousin from Andhra Pradesh, hours after they were kidnapped from Odisha, an official said.

Police have also arrested seven persons on suspicion of being involved in the kidnapping.

Agarwal, 47, and his cousin Sankar were allegedly kidnapped by a group of people when they were on their way home from a guest house in Bhubaneswar Friday night.

Hours later, police recovered Agarwal's abandoned car and rescued his driver.

Based on the feedback provided by the driver, the Odisha police informed Andhra Pradesh police about the incident.

"Police have rescued both Subash Agarwal and his cousin from Vishakapatnam," Assistant Commissioner of Police Jagannath Pradhan told IANS.

Although preliminary investigation indicates business rivalry may have been the motive for the crime, the exact reason can only be ascertained once investigations are complete, police said.

Incorporated in 2000, the Bhubaneswar-based ARSS group is engaged in construction activities in India, and undertakes construction of railway infrastructure, roads, highways, bridges and irrigation projects.