Duo Kidnaps Real Estate Broker Over Failed Online Trading Deal; Police Arrest Them

CHENNAI: The police have apprehended two individuals for the kidnapping of a 50-year-old real estate broker and demanding a ransom from his family. The incident is linked to a financial deal that turned sour, leading to the abduction and subsequent rescue of the victim.

The arrested suspects were identified as Arunkumar (36) from Pulianthope and Parthiban (55) from Vyasarpadi. The victim, S Desikamoorthy (50), runs a real estate broker office in Thousand Lights, Old Washermenpet.

Desikamoorthy went to his office last Thursday (September 18) and did not return home. His family began a frantic search for him, growing increasingly worried as the hours passed. On Saturday (September 20), Desikamoorthy's son, Barath, received a threatening phone call demanding a ransom of Rs 5 lakh to release his father. The callers also warned Barath not to contact the police.

Despite the threats, Barath, after consulting with family members, decided to seek help from the Tondiarpet police. The police formed special teams to trace the calls and locate Desikamoorthy. They successfully rescued him from a hideout on Saturday evening.

Investigations revealed that the accused duo had invested money with Desikamoorthy's female colleague for online trading. When they demanded their returns, the woman informed them that she had handed the money over to Desikamoorthy. This led the suspects to confront Desikamoorthy at his office, where they threatened and attacked him before kidnapping him.

The arrested individuals were produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody. The police are continuing their investigation to ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined and justice is served.