Date:25/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/25/stories/2008122555421000.htm

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Villupuram man abducted in Afghanistan

A.V.Ragunathan

P. Vasu

VILLUPURAM: P. Vasu alias Simon (29) of Brahmagundam in Villupuram district has been reportedly abducted by terrorists in Afghanishtan.

On receiving information, District Collector R.Palanisamy deputed Tahsildar R.Kannaiyan to locate the family and gather information.

The tahsildar told The Hindu that Mr. Vasu (who has converted to Christianity) went to Afghanistan about 11 months ago to take up a job with an Italian company, Ciano. His elder brother P.Subramanian is working there in another company.

In a petition to the Collector, S.Vasanthi, wife of Mr. Simon, stated that a week ago, she received a message that her husband had been abducted. At that time he was staying with three Nepalis. Since then she had not heard anything about him or his whereabouts. She appealed to the Collector to take steps to bring back Mr.Simon.

His paternal uncle, Mani, quoting Mr. Subramanian, told this correspondent that Mr. Simon was abducted about two months ago along with the three Nepalis. The abductors had allegedly demanded a ransom of $3.5 lakh and warned the hostages against leaking the news to law-enforcing authorities. Hence, Mr. Subramanian did not tell anyone. The abduction came to light through a common friend in Mumbai.