Mumbai, March 28 (MD): A Mira road-based bar owner was allegedly kidnapped by five people after he failed to repay a loan. Luckily, Kashimira police intercepted the vehicle in which he had been taken, and rescued him.

According to the police, Ankur Khatri (28), owner of Mansi Restaurant and Bar, had taken a loan of R11 lakh from five men — Anil Pandey, a lawyer, Sadhu Singh, Hirendra Kumar Singh, Anil Singh and Pradip Upadhyay. Anil Singh Upadhyay had issued a loan to Khatri on a monthly interest basis of 30 per cent. The money was meant to renovate his restaurant.

However, Khatri had failed to pay his due monthly installments. Senior Inspector Anil Kadam, from Kashimira police station, said, “Khatri took the loan at the end of 2013 to refurbish his restaurant. However, he was not able to pay it back on time, even after threats had been issued.”

Angry, the five decided to kidnap him. On Wednesday evening, Khatri was in his bar when the accused arrived in two cars, took him forcefully, and drove towards Gujarat. The owner shouted for help, but his staffers couldn’t rescue him. But, they informed his wife Kavita, who lodged a complaint with the police.

Cops immediately dispatched a team to Gujarat, and intercepted the vehicles at Vapi, Gujarat. Officials said that the accused planned to keep Khatri as a captive there and demand a ransom from his family.

API Vilas Mate said, “The accused were charged under sections 363 (kidnapping), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention). They were arrested on Wednesday, produced in court the next day and released on bail.”

Police have seized the two cars and are investigating further.