Kidnapped Coimbatore realtor rescued near Omalur, three persons arrested

Three persons of the gang were arrested in Salem district and a search is on for others. Inquiries revealed that Johnco Federal, 45, was kidnapped by his business partner Karikalan, 40, and others from his office on Thursday.

Police said Karikalan gave Rs 15 lakh in cash and 36 sovereigns to Johnco for the real estate business. Though Johnco Federal paid interest, he couldn’t return the borrowed money due to heavy business losses. Karikalan, who wanted to leave the business, had asked Rs 22 lakh in lieu of the jewels and cash given by him. However, Johnco delayed returning the amount, which triggered frequent altercations between them.

On Thursday evening, Karikalan visited Johnco Federal’s office at Pappanaickenpalayam and asked for his money. When he refused, Karikalan and his gang forced Johnco into their car threatening him with a knife and sped away.

On receiving a complaint from Johnco’s family members, the Race Course police registered a case and traced the location of the kidnappers to Omalur in Salem district. Acting on information from the Coimbatore police, a police team led by Omalur Deputy Superintendent of Police Baskar reached Kongupatty in Omalur. However, the abductors had escaped in another car by then. The police then managed to nab the culprits at Theevattipatti check post and rescued Johnco Federal.

The arrested persons were identified as Karthik, 36, of Dharmapuri, Murugan, 37, of Erode and Senthil Kumar, 25, of Salem. Police seized a knife and a sickle from their vehicle.

Following their arrest, the Omalur police handed them over to the Race Course police on Friday. The accused were being brought to Coimbatore for further inquiries.