Indian man rescued from kidnappers in QC

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has rescued an Indian national taken and tortured by a kidnap-for-ransom group 10 days ago.

Joel Tovera, chief of the NBI’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Division (AIDD), identified the victim as Chaman Lal.

Lal was found early morning Tuesday in Novaliches, Quezon City, where he was guarded by two men identified as Albino Pusos and John William Lucero.

“Nakakalungkot po ‘nung napasok natin ‘yung kanilang hideout, nakagapos po ‘yung biktima, nandyan po ‘yung kadena, na parang aso, nandoon lang sa sahig na binabantayan nung dalawang Pilipino (the victim was in a sad state, chained like a dog lying on the ground while being guarded by the two Filipinos),” said Tovera.

“Gabi-gabing tinu-torture ‘yung ating biktima at tinatakot na papatayin kung hindi ibibigay yung ransom money (he was tortured every night and threatened he would be killed if he would not give the ransom money).”

Lal’s son was kidnapped by the same group two years ago but was released after payment of P1 million ransom.

The NBI arrested four Indian nationals in connection with Lal’s kidnapping: Ashwani Kumar, 59; Rakesh Kumar, 31; Shiv Chaunan, 23; and Matwinder Singh, 33.

Also arrested are their Filipino cohorts Pusos, 24, Lucero, 22, and Ailene Alarcio, 22.

Authorities seized from the suspects a .45-cal. pistol, several motorcycles and two vehicles.

Last Friday, Tovera said they received information about the kidnapping from Lal’s relative, Rajiv Kumar, who said the victim was abducted in Cavite on June 18 with the kidnappers initially asking for a P30 million ransom.

After negotiations, which reduced the amount to P10 million, a drop was set up using only boodle money, which was picked up by one of the Indian suspects who was riding a motorcycle.

Tovera said the group had been involved in other kidnappings where, in some instances, ransom was paid but the victim was still killed.

“May instances na nai-deliver na ‘yung ransom money, pinapatay pa rin nila yung biktima (there were instances where the ransom was paid but the victim was still killed),” Tovera said, citing the case of one of Lal’s relatives, a minor who was abducted four years ago.

Tovera said the ransom was paid but the victim was released to the relatives already dead.

He encouraged other victims to come out and identify the suspects.

The NBI is still conducting a manhunt operation against another cohort, Ferdie Marvin.