Malappuram: The Kerala Police on Thursday rescued a 36-year-old UAE-based Malayali businessman, V P Shameer, who had been abducted from Malappuram on Tuesday evening, and arrested six members of the gang involved.

Shameer was found around 11.30 am in Kuruvikkonam, Anchal, Kollam, inside a vehicle, as the gang was reportedly attempting to move him to Tamil Nadu. Cops from Malappuram and Kollam jointly led the operation. The arrested are Chavakkad natives, Puthu Veettil Shamseer (30), his friends Achikka alias Hamseer (30) and Fayas alias Mustafa (28); Afzal (30) of Ponnani; and Kollam natives Muhammad Naif (29) and Shaheer (30).

According to Malappuram District Police Chief R Viswanath, Shamseer, a former employee in Shameer’s business, was earlier dismissed from service, which allegedly fuelled personal enmity. He had earlier issued threats and was believed to be involved in over 50 of Shameer’s business ventures. Police are probing whether financial disputes also motivated the crime.

The police got the first significant lead after questioning those who had provided the accused with a vehicle for the crime. CCTV and location tracking showed the vehicle moving through Ernakulam, and later evidence suggested the accused had friends in Kollam, prompting Kollam Rural Police to join the search.

A breakthrough came when Shameer’s phone was switched on twice in Ernakulam. The suspects later travelled to Thrissur and switched to another rented vehicle, the owners of which will also be questioned. Police are examining the accused’s call records and suspect more people may be involved. Two of those arrested already face attempted murder charges.

Shameer, who has claimed he was assaulted, will undergo a medical examination. Police are working to recover all vehicles used in the crime and to determine whether a larger conspiracy exists.

Earlier, Shameer’s business partner received a WhatsApp call demanding a ransom of ₹1.5 crore. Shameer's wife was also threatened.