CCTV visuals of car kidnapping Shafi out, believed to have taken to Wayanad

THAMARASSERI: Among the couple forcibly abducted from their house by goons, Muhammad Shafi of Kurunthotty Kandi in Parappanpoyil, is yet to be found. CCTV visuals have been obtained which indicates that he was taken away in a white car. Hints are that he was taken to Wayanad. Though the colour of the car is clear, the number has not been obtained. Shafi (38) was in Wayanad till Saturday and then reached Karipur, and his whereabouts after that are unknown.
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There were disputes between Shafi and the clients regarding the arbitration of a financial transaction worth over one crore rupees in Dubai with a native of Koduvalli. A group led by the native of Koduvalli had threatened, and a month ago some people came to Shafi's house and demanded money.

Meantime, the preliminary conclusion of the police is that Shafi was abducted in the name of financial transaction related to gold smuggling. People related to gold smuggling and hawala transactions were questioned. The investigation is divided into five groups. Shafi was abducted by a five-member gang who arrived in the car at around 9 pm on April 7.

When the two persons caught by the investigation team were interrogated under the leadership of Vadakara Rural SP, they informed that gold smuggling and hawala transactions were behind the incident. Those belonging to the group that threatened Shafi's house were interrogated earlier. They testified that Shafi was connected with gold smuggling in Saudi Arabia and that he had failed to pay the money in hawala transactions. The investigation team is investigating whether the gangs arrested in connection with gold smuggling in Koduvalli were involved in the incident.