Eight held for abducting priest

Eight persons were arrested near Devarsolai in Gudalur today for kidnapping a priest. The gang of eight, led by Asaithambi, are said to be members of a little known outfit Makkal Tamil Desam.

The priest, Father Joseph George of Kollam, was here last week. Noticing that the priest was spending heavily the gang decided to kidnap him for a ransom.

Accordingly they abducted Father George to Gudalur and contacted his relatives to pay Rs. 10 lakhs for his release. His relatives alerted the police.

Two special teams were formed to trace the priest. As per the police plan, the relatives agreed to pay the ransom at the agreed spot in Devasolai. When they were handing over the money police nabbed the gang and rescued the priest.

Asaithambi is allegedly involved in the murder of an AIADMK councilor some time back.

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