Balangir Police used mobile location tracking and CCTV footage to trace the businessman; investigation points to possible business rivalry
Balangir, Odisha: Odisha Police rescued a businessman from Balangir within 24 hours of his alleged kidnapping and arrested the suspected mastermind in connection with the case.
The rescued businessman has been identified as Narendra Kumar Sahu, who is involved in the hotel and real estate businesses in Balangir.
According to police, Sahu had left his residence on Friday but did not return home by evening. Concerned about his whereabouts, his family contacted the police and reported that he was missing.
Police launch immediate investigation
Following the complaint, Balangir Police immediately launched an investigation and formed a special team to trace the businessman.
Investigators used several technological tools, including the police IT cell, mobile phone location tracking and CCTV footage, to establish Sahu’s movements and identify the vehicles allegedly connected with the incident.
Police also tracked the movement of the businessman’s vehicle as well as another vehicle that was allegedly used by the suspects.
Based on the information gathered during the investigation, the special team traced Sahu to the Khandagiri area of Bhubaneswar.
He was rescued on Saturday evening, less than 24 hours after the family approached the police.
Businessman allegedly assaulted
Police said that the businessman was allegedly assaulted and physically tortured during the incident.
After rescuing Sahu, investigators continued their search for the people allegedly involved in the kidnapping.
The police subsequently arrested the suspected mastermind of the kidnapping from Kantamal.
However, several other suspects allegedly involved in the incident remain at large. Police teams are continuing efforts to identify and arrest them.
Police suspect business rivalry
Balangir Superintendent of Police Abilash G said that a special team was constituted immediately after the kidnapping complaint was received.
He said the businessman was successfully rescued within 24 hours.
According to the SP, the exact motive behind the alleged kidnapping has not yet been fully established. However, the preliminary investigation indicates that business rivalry could be one of the possible reasons behind the incident.
Police are continuing to investigate the financial, personal and business connections of the people allegedly involved to determine the exact motive.
Family learned about kidnapping around 8 pm
Narendra Sahu’s brother, Manoranjan Sahu, said that Narendra had left home after having lunch but did not return.
The family reportedly became aware that he may have been kidnapped at around 8 pm.
According to his brother, the alleged kidnappers did not contact the family and did not demand any ransom.
The absence of a ransom demand has made the motive behind the alleged kidnapping unclear, and investigators are examining other possible reasons for the crime.
Search continues for other accused
Police said the investigation is still underway and the exact role of each suspect will become clearer as more evidence is collected.
Authorities are also working to establish whether the alleged kidnapping was planned because of a business dispute or whether other factors were involved.
The police have launched efforts to arrest the remaining suspects who are currently absconding.
Key Takeaway
The swift police response and use of mobile location tracking, CCTV footage and vehicle movement analysis helped investigators trace Narendra Kumar Sahu to Bhubaneswar and rescue him within 24 hours.
The alleged mastermind has been arrested, while other suspects remain on the run. Police are investigating the possible role of business rivalry and other factors in the kidnapping.
The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as police question the arrested suspect and trace the remaining accused.
