A real estate businessman from Belagavi, abducted in his own vehicle on February 14, remains missing even after five days. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₹5 crore, threatening dire consequences if unpaid.
Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled stated that Basavaraj Ambi (48), a resident of Rajapura village in Mudalgi taluk, was intercepted near Dandapura Cross, about 6 km from his residence, while returning from Miraj, Maharashtra. The next day, his wife, Shobha, received a ransom call. After two failed attempts to hand over the money, she reported the case to Ghataprabha police on February 18.
Authorities have deployed three teams to track him down, suspecting he is held near the Karnataka-Maharashtra border close to Nipani. The kidnappers first contacted his wife using his phone, confirming his abduction and instructing them to drop off cash at a specified location.
His son Huliraj and relatives arranged a portion of the ransom and went to the designated spot near Nipani, but the abductors, sensing multiple people present, refused to collect the money. Later, in a video call, they showed Basavaraj and changed the location again. However, only his car was found at the spot, while he remained missing.
Police are also investigating Basavaraj’s background, as he faces allegations of fraud linked to a money-doubling scheme. His rapid financial rise, including a lavish house and vehicles, has raised suspicions about possible involvement of known associates in his abduction.
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