Tk1cr ransom demanded after veterinary medicine trader ‘abducted’ in Jashore

A veterinary medicine trader was reportedly abducted in Jashore last night (2 March), with kidnappers demanding Tk1 crore in ransom.

The victim has been identified as Jahangir Alam, 48.

Following the incident, his wife, Reshma Khatun, filed a written complaint with Jashore Kotwali Model Police Station today (3 March).

Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge (investigation) Kazi Babul Hossain told The Business Standard that police have recorded the complaint as a case and launched an operation to rescue the businessman.

“Our operation to rescue the abducted businessman is underway, and we hope to recover him soon,” he said.

According to the complaint, Jahangir was returning home on his motorcycle last night after closing his shop when six to seven individuals stopped him at gunpoint at the Pirbari intersection in Chanchra Raypara.

He was forced into a white car, while two others took his motorcycle and fled. Around 10pm, a call was made from Jahangir’s mobile phone to his wife, demanding Tk1 crore and threatening to kill him if the money was not paid.

“My husband told me some people were taking him away and said if I wanted to save him, I must pay Tk1 crore. Otherwise, they would kill him,” Reshma said, adding that the line was disconnected immediately and the phone has remained switched off since.

“The callers did not specify where or how the money should be delivered.”

She further alleged that a business dispute may be linked to the incident.

According to Reshma, another veterinary shop, Amena Pharmacy, is located next to their store.

A tenancy dispute had arisen between the market owner, Yusuf, and the previous shop owner, Shah Alam.

After Yusuf rented the shop to Jahangir and he merged the two stores, tensions allegedly developed between him and Shah Alam.

She also claimed there had previously been an attempt to run over her husband with a car.

“We suspect this abduction may be related to business disputes,” she said.

“I do not know where my husband is or what condition he is in. Since the incident, I have been living in constant anxiety with my three daughters. I appeal to the authorities to return my husband alive and unharmed,” she added.

Jahangir has been running RR Medical, a veterinary medicine shop in front of Shankarpur Veterinary Hospital, for the past seven years. He lives with his wife and three daughters in the Kholadanga Kadamtala area on the outskirts of Jashore town.