Bhubaneswar, May 8: The family members of a construction company owner suspect that he was kidnapped after he went missing on the night of May 2.

The missing businessman, Ravi Choudhury, 35, owns construction company MRCC (M. Ravi Chowdhury Construction Company), which was a subcontractor for several projects of ARSS company. ARSS is a leading infrastructure company in the state.

Choudhury, who hails from Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, was staying in Bomikhal in Laxmisagar. His father-in-law, K. Rambabu, said Choudhury had gone to Puri on May 2 and was supposed to come home after dropping off a friend at a lodge on the Cuttack-Puri road.

“But when he did not return even late that night, we became worried. Even his cell was switched off. We called the friend whom Choudhury had dropped off that night. He said my son-in-law had left for home,” said Rambabu.

Till the next morning, Choudhury’s family members went on calling his friends and relatives, but could not trace him. Later that day, they found Choudhury’s vehicle, a Scorpio, parked near a hotel on the National Highway.

“It was in start mode and the AC was switched on. One of the windows was open. Luggage was lying scattered all over the car. His laptop and cash worth around Rs 2 lakh kept in a money bag was missing,” alleged the father-in-law.

His relatives have lodged a formal complaint with Laxmisagar police.

The cops have started inquiries and questioned Choudhury’s friends and colleagues. They have also questioned the employees of the hotel outside which his vehicle was found.