Minister U T Khader and others help in rescuing kidnapped Richard

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 3: It is gathered that a person, who was lured by the offer made by an unknown person who called him over phone, sent his associate there, but that man was kidnapped in Rajasthan. With the timely intervention of minister, U T Khader, police officers from here and others, he was rescued. The youth happens to be Richard Marian Nazareth from the city.

Arun D'Souza from Bondel, who operates a Kirloskar products dealership venture at Bijai here was deceived by an unknown caller. A person who called Arun told him that four generators were available at a low price at Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The caller said he got Arun's number from internet. The two sides discussed the offer over phone several times during the last two months. Believing the offer to be true, Arun deputed Richard Marian Nazareth to Rajasthan on July 28, with instructions to inspect the generators and come back.

After Richard reached Bharatpur on July 30, he was escorted by a man in a vehicle from there. A gang then called Arun, placing a demand for the payment of Rs 10 lac as ransom for the release of Richard. Dismayed by the call, Arun contacted some Congress leaders like youth Congress secretaries, Prakash Pinto and Pavanraj, who got in touch with minister, Khader, and conveyed to him about this development. Khader contacted the city police commissioner and also inspector general of Bharatpur, Alok.

Prakash Pinto and Pavanraj left for Bharatpur along with Ullal assistant sub-inspector, Vijay Raj and Kankanady station head constable, Mohan and reached there at midnight on August 1. With the help of the inspector general there and with help from police of the area, mobile phone of Richard was located. It showed him to be at Bastan on Rajasthan's border with Uttar Pradesh, a place known for active gangs of robbers and illegal gun trade. The gang reached the spot after many hurdles and arrested a gang of three led by Ijaz but Richard was not found. From this gang, the police recovered eight motor bikes, guns, ganja, bullets et.

The gang which had kidnapped Richard by then came to know that the other gang was caught. Developing cold feet, the gang abandoned Richard at a place named Govardhan, before going away. It transpired that Richard had been bound to a tree in an agricultural field for three days and was beaten up frequently. Richard also soaked by frequent rains and therefore was extremely tired. He said that the gang of kidnappers had 12 people, six among whom stood in guard for him. The policemen have spread a net for the gang and the gang members are likely to be arrested shortly.

Thanks to Khader and others, Richard Marian Lazarath is safe and the team from Mangaluru is bringing him back. Prakash Pinto said from Bharatpur, that they are grateful to U T Khader, city commissioner, M Chandra Sekhar, deputy commissioner of police, Shantaraj, assistant commissioner of police, Shruti and police from Rajasthan and inspector general of Bharatpur.

This is a lesson for those who repose on calls and mails emanating from unknown sources before going ahead with business transactions without conducing reality checks.