Businessman kidnapped, robbed

Srinivasamurthy, 58, runs Vinod Pharmacy at Lakshmi Party Hall on Mysore Road. He was on his way home for lunch in his car, when the accused followed him in two cars and tried to ram into his car near Veerabhadranagar slum on Ring Road.

The kidnappers got off their cars and held Srinivasamurthy at gunpoint. One of the accused pushed him from the driver’s seat and another got into the car. They took him to Rajarajeshwarninagar, Kanakapura and Doddamaralawadi. They snatched his four gold rings, two bracelet, a wrist watch, a credit card and Rs 30,000 cash.

Later, they shifted him to another car, covered his face and drove towards Ramanagaram. They stopped the car near Bidadi and demanded Rs 50 lakh for his release. However, Srinivasamurthy said that he would be able to arrange only Rs 5 lakh. After bargaining, the accused agreed and gave him a month’s time. They threatened him against informing the police and gave him Rs 500 to get home.

Srinivasamurthy managed to reach Byataranayapura in the night and informed the police.