A dramatic kidnapping incident in Palakkad has sent shockwaves through Kerala’s business community after entrepreneur Muhammad Ali was abducted at gunpoint and later found injured inside an abandoned house. The brazen act, carried out late Saturday night, is now at the center of an intensive police investigation, with officials suspecting business rivalry as a possible motive. Authorities confirmed that Ali was intercepted while travelling from Wandoor in Malappuram to Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Chalissery police station, a Toyota Innova intercepted Ali’s luxury Toyota Vellfire on Dubair Road in Thirumittakkode, near Shoranur. A four-member masked gang smashed the vehicle's side window before pointing a gun at Ali and forcefully dragging him into their car. The attackers fled the scene within seconds, indicating a meticulously planned operation executed with precision.
A special police team led by the Shoranur DySP immediately launched an investigation, gathering CCTV footage from areas surrounding the abduction route. Multiple cameras reportedly captured images of the suspect vehicle, enabling investigators to track its movements through nearby localities. Officers noted that the kidnappers appeared familiar with the area’s geography, choosing routes with limited surveillance to evade detection.
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In the early hours of Sunday, Ali was located in a dilapidated, abandoned house in Kothakurussi, where he was allegedly left by his captors after being brutally assaulted. He was found with significant injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police believe he may have been held there only temporarily before the gang fled, possibly due to pressure from the rapidly advancing investigation.
Authorities also revealed that Ali's relatives had received a ransom call during the night, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The callers allegedly demanded money for his safe release, though details of the amount and further communications have not been disclosed. Police are currently analyzing call records and electronic traces in an effort to identify the abductors.
Muhammad Ali, known to own multiple business ventures both in Kerala and abroad, is expected to provide a detailed statement once his medical condition stabilizes. Investigators are examining his business dealings, partnerships, and recent disputes as they consider business rivalry a strong motive behind the kidnapping. Police say all angles remain open as they work to identify the masked men and uncover the larger network behind the shocking crime.
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