Manhunt launched to nab Anant's kidnapper

Noida, Feb 5 (UNI) A manhunt has been launched to nab Chattrapal, the main accused in the Anant Gupta kidnapping case, who fled while being taken for production before a judge at the Gautam Budha Nagar Court.

IG B K Gupta and DIG Vijay Kumar have constituted six teams of police to nab Chattrapal and on target would be his suspected hideouts.

Security around the Anant's residence and the entire area has been stepped up and Chattrapal's close relatives have been detained for questioning and security reasons.

It is suspected that Chattrapal had established good terms with a gangster in jail, who later helped her in escaping after giving a slip to two constables yesterday afternoon, who were taking him to the Court.

Meanwhile, Anant's father Naresh Gupta, CEO of a Noida-based software firm, said, ''We are in great fear with news of Chattrapal's escape. We have arranged for private security as we do not trust police protection.'' Anant had returned home on November 17, 2006, three days after he was kidnapped and reports said a ransom of Rs 60 lakh had been paid to the kidnappers.

The special task force of Uttar Pradesh police had arrested Chattrapal from a hide out on Novemeber 19, 2006, six days after the incident.

UNI XC AKJ HT1958