COIMBATORE: The Peelamedu police in Coimbatore city have arrested nine individuals on charges of kidnapping and assaulting a bakery owner following a dispute related to arranging bail for a remand prisoner. The victim, identified as Velmurugan, 36, is a native of Thiruchendur in Tuticorin district, currently residing in Cheran Maa Nagar, where he operates a bakery.
Background of the Case
According to police reports, Velmurugan and his friend Nagaraj, 36, were previously arrested in an attempt-to-murder case and were lodged in judicial custody at the Coimbatore Central Prison. While incarcerated, they allegedly made an agreement that whoever obtained bail first would assist the other in securing release. Velmurugan was granted bail in December and promised Nagaraj that he would arrange his bail within a month. However, five months later, the promise remained unfulfilled.
The Kidnapping Incident
Nagaraj's associate, Isakki, recently visited him in prison. During the visit, Nagaraj broke down and complained that Velmurugan had betrayed him by not arranging bail. He instructed Isakki to kidnap Velmurugan and extort money to cover his legal expenses. Isakki, along with eight others, devised a plan to abduct Velmurugan and demand money for Nagaraj's legal process.
On Wednesday night, a six-member group arrived at Velmurugan's bakery in a car. They forcibly dragged him out, pushed him into the vehicle, and took him to a secluded room. There, he was held captive, assaulted, and threatened. The gang demanded Rs 2 lakh to secure Nagaraj's release. Later, they abandoned him near Saravanampatti, threatening to kill him if he failed to pay the money.
Police Action
Following the incident, Velmurugan filed a complaint at the Peelamedu police station. The police registered a case, identified the gang, and arrested them on Friday. Further investigations are underway.
