Small-time builder from Palghar rescued from kidnappers in WB

A 30-year-old builder from Maharashtra's Palghar district, who was allegedly kidnapped and held captive in Malda in West Bengal since July 16, has been rescued, police said on Monday. The victim, Samsulkamar Khan, was kidnapped after reaching Howrah where he had gone for some work, a police officer said.

Khan's kidnappers had demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh to release him from captivity, he said. The officer said Palghar police traced the call made by the kidnappers to Malda district and sent two teams to rescue him.

"With the help of local police, Khan was traced to a house and rescued," he added. The accused are identified as Mohammad Saiful Mohammad Mukhtar Vishwas and Rinku, both residents of West Bengal, he said, adding that no arrest is made so far.

The officer said it was Vishwas, who had worked with Khan in the past, who called him to Howrah under the pretext of offering him construction-related work..