Trader kidnapped over financial dispute, released

Rajkot: A trader from Andhra Pradesh was allegedly kidnapped and then released over a financial dispute in Morbi on early Friday morning.
Complainant Naga Shivshankar Gupta (42) alleged that he was kidnapped by Rupesh Panara, Tejas Panara and their men identified as Vipul, Jiga and their unidentified associate.
“Gupta said he was released by the accused who made him sign blank cheques and a register after thrashing him black and blue,” said D V Dangar, sub-inspector with Morbi taluka police station.
The accused used to supply tiles to Gupta in Bengaluru. However, when the cheques issued by Gupta were bounced, the accused decided to kidnap him to recover their money.
Rupesh had filed a court case against Gupta for cheque bouncing, in hearing of which Gupta had come to Morbi. However, before Gupta could go to the court he was kidnapped.
Gupta was confined in a godwon in Rafaleshwer and later at a ginning mill in Tankara, before the accused freed him Morbi bus depot.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt for the accused.