Patna: The special investigation team (SIT) set up to trace the kidnapped businessman of Gaya, Vinod Prasad Sah, has picked up over a dozen suspects from their different hideouts for interrogation in the case.

The suspects, including three women, were being quizzed by senior police officials at a secret location.

The victim's wife, Pratima Devi, had apprehended kidnapping of her 50-year-old husband Vinod for ransom.

Sources close to the family said Vinod was threatened with dire consequences by a Maoist outfit about eight months ago for his failure to pay Rs 50 lakh as extortion money. Vinod, however, didn't report the incident to the police then. A police team has been sent to neighbouring Jharkhand to ascertain the whereabouts of the kidnappers and the victim.

"Efforts are on to recover the trader safely," said a police officer associated with the investigation. He said the police were close to solving the case.

"The special investigation team has got some vital leads in the case. Raids were being carried out on the basis of information provided by the suspects," the officer said on condition of anonymity on Friday.

Vinod was whisked away while he was returning to his Sherghati residence from his shop located at Piparghatti on his motorbike on January 9 this year.

Later, his motorbike and slippers were recovered from a place on Dobhi-Sherghati road.

The victim's relative, Vinay Prasad, met the state education minister, Krishnanandan Prasad Verma, and urged him to ensure the safe release of Vinod. The shopkeepers of Piparghatti Bazar kept their business establishments shut for the third consecutive day on Friday to protest against the incident.

The traders of neighbouring Achhwa and Badohar markets also have lent their support to the bandh observed by the businessmen of Piparghatti.

Vinod owned a fodder-cum-paddy retail shop at Piparghatti under the jurisdiction of Dobhi police station.