West Bengal, 17 October (H.S.)

A sensational incident of kidnapping and assault has occurred in the Shimultala area under Baduria police station area of North 24 Parganas district. It is alleged that some miscreants kidnapped a spice trader, demanded a ransom of ₹260,000, and then brutally beat four people, including the trader. The condition of two of the injured is reported to be critical. Both have been admitted to Basirhat Super Specialty Hospital from a local hospital.

According to police sources, the kidnapped trader is Momin Mandal, a resident of Shimultala and involved in the spice trade. On Thursday afternoon, Momin was travelling to Gaighata with three of his business associates. On the way, some miscreants stopped their car. It is alleged that the armed men dragged the four out of the car, took them to a secluded area, brutally beat them, and took away all their money.

The miscreants then called Momin Mandal's home and demanded ransom. The family members managed to collect ₹2.6 lakh, but the abductees were not released. Late at night, all four were dumped in a critical condition in an area. Locals found them and immediately informed the police and their families. The injured were initially taken to Baduria Rural Hospital, but two were transferred as their condition worsened.

Meanwhile, locals apprehended a young man who was roaming suspiciously in the area, beat him severely, and handed him over to the police. Allegedly, the young man worked as an informer for criminals and may have been involved in the kidnapping. Police have detained him and begun questioning him.

The police have launched an investigation into the case and are trying to determine the true mastermind behind the kidnapping and ransom plot.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey