30-member gang ‘rescues’ financier from police custody

The Kerala police had picked up Maharajan, 41, a financier from Chennai and were heading to Kerala in their vehicle when the armed gang, in four cars, took him away in true cinematic style at Kaniyur toll plaza on the Salem - Coimbatore NH in rural Coimbatore. The incident occurred in a matter of a few seconds. The cars sped away towards Kerala.

Interestingly, the gang had been waiting at the toll plaza for quite sometime and when asked by bystanders, had claimed to be waiting to welcome a politician coming that way.

Police sources said one Jacob from Kerala had borrowed Rs 45 lakh by pledging his luxury car to Maharajan. Though Jacob returned the borrowed amount, the financier failed to return his car and sought more money.

Based on a complaint, the Palluruthy police in Ernakulam district registered a case against Maharajan under Kerala Money Lenders Act and Kerala Prohibition of Charging Exorbitant Interest Act.

Acting on a tip-off about Maharajan hiding in Chennai, a four-member police team from Kerala picked him from Sriperumbudur on Saturday. As they reached the toll plaza at Kaniyur, the 30-member gang intercepted the police vehicle in the cars and took away Maharajan by threatening the cops.

A police team led by Palakkad DSP Vijayakumar later visited the spot. The Karumathampatti police have registered a case. Police have been scanning the CCTV cameras fixed at the toll plaza and other buildings to trace the identity of the culprits. Further investigations are on. Meanwhile, Pa Moorthy, SP, Coimbatore Rural, said three teams have been formed to nab the accused.