Surat: An FIR for allegedly abducting a labour contractor with the intention of demanding ransom was registered at the Jhagadia GIDC police station on Friday, 11 days after the incident. The case has been marked sensitive, even though the victim was released on the day of the alleged kidnapping.Police have booked four persons, including history-sheeter Jaimin Patel, under charges including kidnapping for ransom and extortion by putting a person in fear.According to police, three accused — Mathews Vasava, Maya Vasava alias Lalu and Kiran Vasava — have been arrested, while Patel, allegedly the main accused, remains absconding.“An influential labour contractor was allegedly kidnapped by Patel and his aides near a temple in Randedi village, which falls under the Jhagadia GIDC police station area, on Aug 17. The accused demanded a substantial ransom and the victim was released the same day. We cannot disclose the victim’s identity or whether any ransom was paid,” a police source said.TOI contacted Bharuch SP Akshay Raj for a response, but he did not respond to calls.Jhagadia has previously witnessed clashes linked to labour contracts. In 2023, more than 10 rounds were fired after two groups clashed over labour contracts in the area. More than 20 vehicles were also damaged in the violence.
