Kidnapped industrialist escapes

Chennai, May 25 (UNI) A city-based businessman managed to escape from the clutches of his abductors, believed to be associates of notorious rowdy Vellai Ravi, police said today.

The incident came to light when, Rajkumar (30), running an export firm in Parry's corner area, lodged a complaint with the police last evening.

He said the gang, posing as IT officials, took him to a secluded spot on May 22 and captivated him. He realised that he was kidnapped after the abductors demanded a ransom of Rs one crore.

Fearing for his life, Mr Rajkumar called up his company and arranged a part payment of Rs 60 lakh, with a promise of settling the balance amount in a couple of days.

However, he managed to escape from their clutches yesterday and filed a complaint with the police.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that the gang members were said to be close aides of rowdy Vellai Ravi, who had gone underground eversince police launched a crackdown on rowdies in the city.

UNI