Brother-in-law abducts boy to teach wife a lesson; held in Mumbai

Mumbai, March 31: Two persons, including brother-in-law of a 12-year-old boy, were arrested on Thursday, March 31 for allegedly kidnapping him for ransom from Kanjurmarg area in eastern suburbs, police said.

The boy was allegedly abducted by Prem Kolhe (25) and Aashish Kanase (22) on Monday night after which the duo sent an SMS on mobile phone of the victim's sister demanding ransom of Rs 5 lakh for his release.

According to crime branch officials, Kolhe hatched the plot to teach his wife and in-laws a lesson over their soured relations.

Kolhe also pretended to help the police in their search for the boy. Police said that Kolhe had asked Kanase to take the boy to his home at Asalpha near suburban Ghatkopar. "On Monday night, when Kolhe got to know that the crime branch sleuths are looking for the accused, he told Kanase to drop the boy at Mumbra station," police said, adding that Kanase left the boy at the station on Tuesday.

The boy was spotted by local police who informed their counterparts at Parksite police station. The boy was subsequently reunited with his parents, police said.

Suspecting involvement of a family member in the crime, police started questioning and during the investigation found Kolhe's replies evasive. He later confessed to his role in the crime. The duo will be produced before court tomorrow.

PTI