Ex-driver held for abducting Meerut jeweller’s son

Two days after the five-year-old son of a Meerut-based jeweller was kidnapped from outside a playschool in Meerut, and subsequently rescued from Ghaziabad, the jeweller's former driver was was arrested on Friday. Police said the driver, Ashok alias Monu, had planned the kidnap.

Police also arrested Ashok's sister Dipika and brother-in-law Santosh. They had demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh from the jeweller for his son's release.

According to police, Ashok was arrested after he was seen riding a motorcycle at a high speed on 50 Foot Road in Nihal Vihar. Police said when Ashok saw a patrol team he took a quick detour, which made the officers suspicious.

"The team began chasing the motorcycle and alerted other patrolling teams. After chasing the motorcycle for a few kilometers, the motorcyclist was overpowered," a senior police officer said.

A country-made pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from Ashok's possession, police said.

"He disclosed that he had masterminded the kidnapping in Meerut, following which we contacted our counterparts in Meerut who confirmed his involvement," the officer said.

Police said Ashok needed the money and so planned the abduction. "According to their plan, Ashok quit his job as a driver around two months ago.

On Thursday, they kidnapped the child from outside his playschool in Meerut. But the Uttar Pradesh Police managed to trace them and rescue the boy," the officer said.

ALSO READ

Ghalib returns home, his haveli opens today as public memorial

Cross at your own risk

Verdict in Dec 16 rape case expected by month-end: Neeraj Kumar

Read and Digest