Four from Kerala kidnapped; two released

: Four persons from Kerala involved in taking up cultivation on leased land have been kidnapped by a 10 member gang for a ransom demand of Rs 35 lakh and two subsequently released, police said today.
Police said the gang in a vehicle kidnapped the four on March 19 when they were en route to buy some land at Santhayur town. They first released a man who fell sick and told him to get them the ransom and later set free a Kerala government employee.
Police said the government employee in his complaint stated that he recognised two of the kidnappers who had helped him in several deals.

The man said the gang also forcibly took away their debit and credit cards and withdrew Rs.1.5 lakh from an ATM.
Police said a search is on to trace the gang who have in their custody the other two persons.