A Gujarat-based businessman was murdered by a gang of four, led by a debt-ridden film producer, who kidnapped him for ransom, the police said on Saturday.

Bapunagar resident Mansukh Vala, who owned an embroidery factory at Odhav, was kidnapped on March 18 and murdered the same day.

The police alleged that the producer, Mahesh Patel, plotted the kidnap with his friend Nilesh Rathod, son of a policeman. The two also involved Nilesh’s uncle Raju Gohil and a man called Kalu Marath. Nilesh, who was arrested, reportedly unfolded the plan to the police.

On the evening of March 18, Nilesh took Mansukh on the pretext of discussing a business plan to his house in Naroda, where the other three were already present.

The four then allegedly beat him up and hit him on the head. Mansukh died instantly. The body was then thrown into a bush.

The next day, they called Mansukh’s family demanding a Rs 5 million ransom. The family informed the police suspecting Mansukh may have been taken to Naroda.

At Naroda, Nilesh’s neighbours told the police they had heard cries from Nilesh’s house. Police have arrested Nilesh  and his uncle, Gohil. Patel and Marathi are still at large.