Kerala Police Launch Manhunt After Muthoot Microfin Manager Kidnapped, Later Released

Police in Kerala have intensified their investigation into the alleged kidnapping of a branch manager of Muthoot Microfin after suspects reportedly abducted him from outside his workplace and later released him. The incident occurred in Poovachal village near Thiruvananthapuram and has prompted a large-scale search operation, with investigators suspecting that the accused have already fled the district.

The victim, identified as Girish, is a resident of Kandal and serves as the manager of the Muthoot Microfin branch located at Poovachal Junction. According to police, the incident took place on Thursday evening after he completed work and stepped outside the branch to return home. His motorcycle reportedly developed a mechanical problem, and he was attempting to start it with assistance from a colleague when the alleged abduction occurred.

Investigators said a car approached the location at high speed and stopped abruptly in front of the motorcycle. Several men allegedly emerged from the vehicle while others arrived on a motorcycle. The group is accused of forcibly restraining Girish and pushing him into the car before fleeing the area. Local residents reportedly witnessed the incident, and video footage of the alleged abduction has surfaced on social media and is being examined by authorities.

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Police said the vehicle carrying the victim travelled towards the Kattakada region, followed by the motorcycle used by other suspects. However, several hours after the abduction, the gang allegedly released Girish at the same location from where he had been taken. Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the incident and are continuing to question those connected to the case.

As part of the investigation, police recovered the car allegedly used in the kidnapping near Kapikad CSI Church. Officers believe the suspects abandoned the vehicle and switched to another mode of transport to evade detection. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage collected from multiple locations and analysing mobile tower data to reconstruct the movements of the accused.

The probe has faced challenges because mobile phones believed to have been used by the suspects have remained switched off since the incident. Police teams are questioning relatives and associates of potential suspects while continuing efforts to identify and trace everyone involved. Authorities have assured that all available evidence is being examined and that further action will follow as the investigation progresses.

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