January 11, 2002, Philippine Star, Indian Money-Lender Snatched in Nueva Ecija; P3-M Ransom Sought, by Manny Galvez

Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, Jan. 11, 2002 (STAR)  - A 19-year-old Indian national, involved in the money-lending business, was snatched by three still unidentified men in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija Tuesday, and a P3-million ransom was reportedly being sought for his release, police said.

The victim, identified as Gurdiph Sukhal, who resides in Barangay Crisanto Sanchez in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, was reportedly collecting payment from one of his debtors at a store in Barangay Sto. Rosario when two of the kidnappers accosted him, Senior Superintendent Raul Bacalzo, provincial police director, reported to the Central Luzon police command.

After a short conversation, Sukhal casually boarded his vehicle, a Suzuki Multi-cab, followed by the two men, Bacalzo said.

One of the two men, Bacalzo said, took control of Sukhal’s vehicle and drove it toward Barangay Baloc, also in Sto. Domingo town.

The third kidnapper, according to witnesses, boarded a van parked along the Sto. Domingo-Guimba Road and followed Sukhal’s vehicle.

Later in the day, the kidnappers called up Sukhal’s parents, telling them that their son was unharmed and demanding a P3-million ransom for his release.

Sukhal’s abductors also told his parents that they would phone them the next day. There had been no call though until yesterday.

Sukhal’s vehicle was later found abandoned nearby.

The Sukhals had sought police assistance. Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya, Central Luzon police director, has ordered a manhunt for the Indian teenager’s kidnappers.

A number of Indian nationals have been kidnapped in Central Luzon in recent months. Arrested suspects have included Indian nationals, too.

Last year, an Indian national was abducted and later burned alive by his kidnappers even after payment of P1.5 million in ransom.