UAE-based Indian expat businessman's kidnap: Ex‑employee among 11 held in Kerala

Dubai: Eleven people, including a former employee, have been arrested in connection with the abduction of VP Shameer, a UAE-based Indian expat businessman, in the south Indian state of Kerala in what officials described as a high-stakes, cross-district rescue mission involving a late-night car chase and a foiled border escape attempt.

Speaking to Gulf News, a Kerala Police official on Saturday said the accused had plotted to extort millions of rupees and smuggle the victim into the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, before which he was rescued.

The plan was coordinated by a gang, including the former employee of the victim’s business, and some individuals with prior criminal records.

As reported by Gulf News earlier, Shameer, who owns a Sharjah-headquartered pharmacy chain and other businesses in the UAE, was kidnapped on Tuesday night near his home in Pandikkad in Malappuram district, while on a brief visit to Kerala. CCTV footage showed him being forced into a car by a gang who came in a Toyota Innova.

According to the official police statement, the operation to trace the kidnappers began immediately under the leadership of Malappuram District Superintendent of Police (SP) R Vishwanath IPS, who, along with Perinthalmanna Deputy SP (DySP) A Premjith, coordinated the operations.

The breakthrough came when a ransom call demanding Rs10.5million was received. Investigators also tracked the vehicle to Chavakkad in Thrissur district where the businessman was initially taken and reportedly assaulted.

From there, the kidnappers attempted to move him to a house in Kollam district, with plans to flee to Tamil Nadu in another vehicle.

Based on inputs from family members and colleagues, and leads linked to the ex-employee, the police were able to track the gang’s movements. The former employee was allegedly trying to take revenge on Shameer after being sacked from his job. The police is also looking into financial dealings.

A special team involving police forces from multiple units worked on the case. They intercepted the second vehicle, in which Shameer was moved, on the Punalur–Thenmala route and rescued the victim in a daring operation.

While six of the accused were nabbed from Kollam after the rescue operation, police later arrested five more individuals from Malappuram, for alleged involvement in related roles.

“The six accused held from Kollam were remanded to judicial custody this morning. They have been sent to the Perinthalmanna Sub Jail. The other five accused were produced before the court later in the day. They have also been remanded and sent to the same jail,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Shameer, who reportedly sustained bruises, was taken to a hospital for treatment. “He was discharged this morning and sent home,” the official added.

Further investigation into the case is continuing.