Patna: A furniture trader was kidnapped allegedly for ransom in Siwan district, around 145km northwest of Patna, on November 29 this year.

The family members of Vijay Madesia lodged an abduction case with Darauli police station in Siwan district after the kidnappers demanded Rs 2.5 lakh as ransom for his release. The police lodged a complaint against four persons, including the alleged mastermind Munna Singh, a resident of Kanhauli village in Siwan district.

According to the complaint, Vijay was taken hostage when he had gone to meet an acquaintance at the Don Government Middle School on November 29. The next day, the alleged kidnappers demanded ransom from the family and warned them not to report the matter to the police.

The family apprehended the involvement of Munna Singh and his associate, Manoj Singh, who had earlier threatened them with dire consequences for not paying extortion money. Vijay had recently set up a furniture manufacturing unit at Darauli, around 35km from the Siwan district headquarters town.

The station house officer (SHO) of Darauli police station Shahid Ansari said a probe had been launched after the police complaint against Munna Singh, Manoj Singh and his four accomplices was lodged. "Prima facie, the incident appears to be the fallout of old enmity," said the SHO.

He, however, confirmed that ransom calls were made to Vijay's family. "Raids are underway to nab the accused and recover the victim at the earliest," he told The Telegraph .

Unconfirmed reports said Vijay escaped the clutches of his kidnappers on Sunday. But the police didn't confirm his release. "We have also heard about the release but cannot confirm it," said an officer at Darauli police station.

Body found

Police on Sunday recovered the body of a contractor Sanjay Rai, who had gone missing on November 23, from a sugarcane field under the jurisdiction of Sahebganj police station in Muzaffarpur district.

Police said the Bhithandi villager's body bore burn injuries suggesting that acid was poured on the face after he was killed.

The body was sent to Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem.

An officer posted at Sahebganj police station said the body's identity was ascertained from the clothes, spectacles and slippers.

Sanjay's family suspected the involvement of one Nawal Rai and his son Rajesh in his abduction and subsequent murder.

Sanjay had returned from Delhi a few months ago after differences with Rajesh over money. Sanjay and Rajesh used to work together in real estate business.

Sanjay returned to Sahebganj and started his own business, which antagonised Rajesh and Nawal, residents of Madhopur Hazari village in Muzaffarpur district. No arrest was made till reports last came in.