Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Three Indians held at gunpoint for three days by kidnappers in Hong Kong have been freed following a rare international operation. The three men 8211; travelling on a business trip to Hong Kong 8211; were abducted within hours of their arrival on Saturday.
They were taken to a hideout in the northern New Territories and guarded by a gang armed with a firearm and choppers.
The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of USD 2.5 million from their families in India,South China Morning Post reported Wednesday.
The abduction,which led to a rare international police operation over the weekend,ended with their release.
A 27-year-old man of Indian descent was arrested in Hong Kong and another man,aged 28,is being held by the police in India in case with the connection,the paper said. Police are hunting the remaining members of the gang.
Details of the international effort to release the captives,aged 35,48 and 55,are being kept under wraps but sources have told the paper that they were driven to Chek Lap Kok airport on Monday and set free. Sources close to the investigation said all three businessmen suffered injuries during captivity.
It is understood no ransom was paid but the gang took the victims cash and valuables before they were freed. The 27-year-old suspect is facing kidnap and robbery charges and was being questioned in Tai Po police station.
Hong Kong police sought assistance from the Indian authorities through the forces Liaison Bureau,a move a senior police officer described as rare.
