SIT team attacked during raid in kidnap case; four arrested

KOZHIKODE: A four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was attacked with firearms and country-made explosives on Saturday morning while attempting to arrest suspects linked to the high-profile kidnapping of an NRI businessman. The suspects had previously demanded a Rs 70 crore ransom for the businessman's release.

The violent confrontation took place around 8:30 AM at a flat in Peruvayal, where the suspects had been hiding. Four police officers and one of the accused sustained injuries during the encounter and are currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

According to police sources, the SIT raided the apartment following a tip-off. Upon realising they were cornered by law enforcement, the suspects hurled two country-made explosives at the team, while others drew loaded firearms to threaten the officers.

Despite the immediate danger, the SIT managed to hold their ground and alert nearby stations for reinforcements. Following a tense, 30-minute standoff, additional police teams led by the Mavoor and Kunnamangalam inspectors arrived at the scene and successfully overpowered the suspects.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Shameer, 37 (alias Aadu Shameer) from Nileshwaram, Kasaragod; David, 38, from Kollam; Jasmon, 32, from Mavoor, Kozhikode; and Vishnu Salman, 28, from Palakkad. David was injured during the police operation. Police recovered two loaded pistols, an air gun, and 11 rounds of ammunition from the premises.

Preliminary investigations revealed that David had rented the Peruvayal flat three months ago, while the other three suspects joined him only recently. Following the arrests, a police team took Shameer and Vishnu Salman to Ottapalam in Palakkad for further evidence collection.

The case stems from an incident last year when an expatriate businessman, Muhammed Ali, was abducted, assaulted, and held captive at a house in Ottapalam. The businessman eventually managed to escape when the house was left unattended.