Kidnapped astrologer rescued, 2 held

New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) A 65-year-old kidnapped astrologer was rescued and his two abductors, who had demanded Rs seven lakh for his release, have been arrested, police said today. The arrested have been identified as Kailash (35) and Prahlad (35), both residents of Rajasthan. They had allegedly abducted Leeladhar on February 7 while he was on his way to Gurgaon. "Leeladhar gives palmist and astrological advice at a place opposite Civil Hospital in Gurgaon and near Sheetla Mata Mandir...His son received a ransom call on February 7 was asked to come to Sohna Chowk in Gurgaon with Rs seven lakh," a senior police official said. "The son informed the police after which a team was sent to Sohna Chowk but the caller, who identified himself as Surender, called the complainant and asked him to come with the money at toll tax border. He reached there but the caller kept changing his position and finally called him at Laxmi Hotel near Rampura Chowk," he said. When the son reached there, two persons were found waiting for him. On seeing the complainant, they asked for the money. The police party acted swiftly and apprehended both the persons who tried to flee from the spot. "Meanwhile 10-15 people, including a person named Surender, gathered there and started pelting stones at the police party. The astrologer got released in the mayhem but the stone pelters managed to flee," the official said. During interrogation of the arrested duo, it came to light that three years ago, Leeladhar along with three others -- Jagdish Prasad, Kirori and Kamal -- had told Surender, a resident of Gurgaon, if he donated a golden cow weighing 31 tolas, it would bring good fortune for him and his family. "Believing them, Surender went to Haridwar where he performed rituals as told by the four and also donated them the golden cow and money. Despite this, he suffered huge losses in his business, following which he demanded back the money spent on making the golden cow and other expenses. "While Kirori and Kamal disappeared from the scene, Leeladhar and Jagdish Prasad expressed their inability to pay back the money. Surender then hatched a conspiracy and asked his wife persuade Leeladhar to come to their house to perform some puja. She went to Civil Hospital in Gurgaon and requested Leeladhar to come with her. "On her request, Leeladhar accompanied her in a car. She took him to Manesar. On reaching there, Surender demanded Rs 7.80 lakh from him and also made a ransom call to his son demanding Rs 7 lakh," the official said.