Six-year-old kidnap case; Padmakumar and family kidnap child to settle debt with moneylender

KOLLAM: An investigation into the kidnapping of the six-year-old girl reveals startling details involving Padmakumar, a resident of Mampallikkam, Chathannur and his family. The investigation team discloses that the family orchestrated the abduction to settle an outstanding debt owed to a moneylender.

The situation escalated when the usurer threatened the family due to unpaid interest, prompting them to urgently arrange ten lakh rupees. Surveillance camera footage, a car sketch and an audio recording of the ransom demand stand as critical evidence. During separate interrogations, all three suspects - Padmakumar, Anita and Anithakumari - reportedly broke down upon facing the evidence.

Notably, the pivotal piece of evidence was a voice recording of Anithakumari requesting a 10 lakh rupee loan. However, a raid conducted at the family's residence based on an IP address provided no suspects. The investigation team tracked the abductors' movements from Puyapalli to Chirakkara before returning home via Paripally, where the ransom call was made.

Confusion arises from eyewitness accounts, with one suggesting there were four people involved in the abduction, potentially leading to misunderstanding amid the turmoil.

Furthermore, the investigation extended to the child's father and delved into prior issues within nursing organizations. Statements were gathered from previous kidnapping victims linked to nursing recruitment, despite Anupama's claim of disinterest in nursing studies. Padmakumar and Anita's testimony regarding their academic pursuits indicated a divergence from Biology Science to Computer Science during their Plus Two education.

The authorities plan to file an application in Kottarakkara Court for the custody of the accused individuals to facilitate further interrogation.