SP leader’s kidnappers may be in UP: Police

Investigating officers trying to trace Samajwadi Party’s Mumbai vice-president Drigesh Yadav and his assistant suspect that their kidnappers might be hiding in Uttar Pradesh.

Investigating officers trying to trace Samajwadi Party’s Mumbai vice-president Drigesh Yadav and his assistant suspect that their kidnappers might be hiding in Uttar Pradesh.

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“While the abductors are in Uttar Pradesh, we suspect the abducted duo [Drigesh and his assistant Ashok Yadav] might be elsewhere,” said an officer on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media.

Drigesh, a government civil contractor, and Ashok were allegedly abducted on April 30. Sources said they were last seen leaving Drigesh’s Dindoshi residence in a black Scorpio around 3.15pm on the said day.

Ramaro Pawar, additional commissioner of police (north region) said Drigesh and Ashok had been abducted for ransom.

A person who identified himself as Rehman made a ransom call to Drigesh’s family on May 3. The caller initially demanded a ransom of Rs5 crore which was brought down to Rs2 crore after negotiations, police said.

The police are now trying to ascertain the identity of Rehman.

Drigesh sub-contracts his jobs to smaller contractors.

“A few people had complained that he did not pay well but we do not suspect any of his rivals or his sub-contractors to be behind the abduction,” an officer said told the Hindustan Times.

The police said a special squad of around 20 policemen has been formed to trace Drigesh and Ashok.