Another Kanpur man kidnapped for ransom, found murdered

KANPUR:A 30-year-old man, who was allegedly kidnapped 11 days ago for ransom, was found murdered in Kanpur Dehat on Tuesday. His body was recovered from a well in Kanha Khera village of Deorahat police area.

The deceased, Brijesh Pal, who used to manage a weighing scale to measure the load of trucks, had gone missing from his office in Chaura, Bhognipur on July 16, said police.

The kidnapper had demanded a ransom of ₹20 lakh from Pal’s family, they said.

CM ANNOUNCES COMPENSATION

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to Brijesh’s family and said that the government would ensure justice to the family through speedy trial in a fast track court.

He also asked the Kanpur Dehat police to initiate stringent action against people involved in the crime and explore possibility of imposing National Security Act (NSA), according to an official statement.

The case comes close on the heels of kidnapping and murder of lab technician Sanjit Yadav in Kanpur. In both cases, families of the victims accused cops of negligence in investigation.

The Kanpur Dehat police claimed that Brijesh Pal was murdered by one of his friends, Subodh Sachan, who had been arrested. Sachan, owner of two trucks, owed ₹5 lakh to some people and needed money to pay them back, said cops.

SP (Kanpur Dehat) Anurag Vats said: “Brijesh and Subodh were good friends. On the fateful night, Subodh called him and gave him a soft drink laced with sedative, after which Brijesh fell unconscious.”

“Subodh strangulated him and a few hours later got in touch with the victim’s family, seeking a ransom of Rs 20 lakh. After he learnt that the family had approached the police, he decided not to call them further,” he added. After Pal went missing from his office, his cousin Sarvesh dialled his number. Subsequently, he got connected to the kidnapper who was using Pal’s phone. The accused told Sarvesh that he would call again in five days and that the family should keep the ransom money ready, said police.

The Kanpur Dehat police constituted 12 teams to solve the case, but Pal’s family alleged that cops were not prompt in their investigation.