Bhopal: Three friends were allegedly abducted, held hostage and brutally beaten for hours by eight men in a forest in Morena district over an old rivalry linked to illegal ration rice trade, police said.
The incident took place on May 31 near Gyanand Pura forest in Porsa town. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 10. All accused are currently absconding, according to authorities.
Complainant Saurabh Tomar and the prime accused, Akash Tomar, were allegedly partners in the illegal government ration rice trade. Last year, authorities seized a truck carrying the rice. Akash allegedly suspected Saurabh of informing officials and planned revenge.
How the abduction unfolded
The accused first picked up Saurabh's two friends, Harsh Bhadauria and Lucky Tomar, and forced Lucky to call Saurabh to the forest around 11:30 am. When he arrived, all three were surrounded and held captive.
The accused allegedly forced the three into the 'murga' position (bending forward with hands holding ears) and beat them with sticks for nearly six hours. The victims pleaded for mercy, but the assault continued relentlessly.
Attempt to frame the victims
The accused placed a country-made pistol and a stolen motorcycle near the victims and recorded videos to implicate them in a theft case. The three were released between 5:30 pm and 6 pm after the accused demanded Rs 1 lakh within two days.
Two police teams have been formed and raids are underway to arrest the accused. Authorities are investigating the illegal ration rice trade angle as well.
