Mangaluru: A shocking incident unfolded in Mangaluru when a group of entrepreneurs from Kozhikode were allegedly lured under the guise of a business proposal and then abducted, assaulted, and robbed of cash and shares amounting to over ₹28 lakh. The complaint was filed with the Mangaluru Rural Police.
The primary complainant, Abdul Manaf, along with associates Arshaq Ahmad, Yasar Arafath V.P., and Mohammad Sahir, claimed they operate a Dubai-based partnership firm involved in land dealings and share trading. The team had been temporarily working out of Kozhikode for the last three months.
Looking to explore a fresh opportunity, the group contacted Sarfaraz, an acquaintance from Mangaluru. On July 11, they reached Pumpwell around 4:30 PM, where they met Sarfaraz and another man. The group then travelled to Mallur, supposedly to meet a potential business contact.
However, the situation turned hostile at a roadside building around 5:30 PM. As per the report, they were ambushed by four attackers inside while nearly ten others armed with blades and swords surrounded the premises.
The victims were threatened, verbally assaulted, and robbed. ₹90,000 was taken from Arafath’s pocket, and ₹10,000 was transferred from Sahir’s phone. Arafath was allegedly held at gunpoint and forced to unlock his trading account, resulting in a ₹28 lakh share transfer. His wallet and IDs were also snatched.
Held captive for nearly five hours, the men endured intimidation and physical abuse. Manaf and Ahmad were hospitalized due to injuries. Sarfaraz is believed to have masterminded the act along with ten others.