A businessman from the UAE was kidnapped during a brief vacation in India and has shared his harrowing experience. VP Shameer recounted his 39-hour nightmare, during which he claims he was beaten, choked, starved, and extorted for money. He feared for his family’s safety and doubted he would see them again.
“While in captivity, my thoughts were with my daughter and wife,” he told Khaleej Times in a call from India. “I was terrified I might never see them again. Their safety was my only concern. Those who held me were ruthless and driven by money. It was my loved ones’ prayers and my staff’s support that brought me back.”
Shameer, who manages a pharmacy chain in the UAE, visited his hometown in Kerala for a short break when the incident happened. He alleged that the kidnappers demanded a ransom from his business partner and pressured his wife to retract her police complaint.
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Shameer explained that the ordeal stemmed from a dispute regarding a restaurant in Al Barsha. “In 2023, a UAE court ruled in my favor, granting me Dh675,000 in compensation,” he noted. “However, those involved had been threatening me to drop the case. Earlier this year, we imposed a travel ban and arrest warrant due to unpaid dues.”
He claimed the accused collaborated with a disgruntled former employee dismissed in 2022 for misconduct. “They recruited other former employees to spread damaging information about me,” he said. “We were aware of this but never expected such an escalation leading to my kidnapping.”
Abduction Near Home
Shameer recounted that he was riding his motorcycle near his home when a white SUV blocked his path. A group of men allegedly emerged, demanding he get into the vehicle. Another car parked behind, preventing his escape. CCTV footage showed the incident occurred at 7:52 pm IST on Thursday.
“One man struck me, causing me to fall,” he remembered. “They then forcibly dragged me into the SUV. Inside, several men assaulted me. One used a shirt to choke me if I reacted. They demanded Dh1.5 million in ransom and the withdrawal of the travel ban and arrest warrant in the Barsha restaurant case.”
He stated the men switched off all phones and drove hundreds of kilometers. “I recognized signs indicating we were heading to southern Kerala,” he said.
Shameer revealed that on Wednesday at 9 am, two men turned on their phones, realizing the abduction was in the news. “They panicked and beat me further due to the publicity,” he said. “They called my partner and wife, urging her to withdraw the case.”
Rescue Operation
His captors allegedly switched vehicles twice and stopped at a house, negotiating with him. He said they reduced their demands twice, finally asking Dh800,000. “They first requested cheque leaves, then demanded cash,” he said. “I told them I needed to return to the UAE for cash, which tested their patience.”
“The kidnappers threatened to kill me once we crossed the border,” he said. “It would have taken time for police from both states to coordinate a rescue. I was losing hope as we neared the border.”
Shameer reported that on Thursday after 11 am, Kerala Police rescued him from Kollam, over 300 kilometers from the abduction site. “The police were unsure which vehicle I was in, so after a high-speed chase, they intercepted the car,” he said. “They arrested the men and freed me. If they were even half an hour late, we would have crossed into Tamil Nadu, where they threatened my life. It was the longest 39 hours of my life.”
He praised Kerala Police for their dedicated rescue operation. “They spent the night at my home investigating, dividing into squads to track and capture my abductors. I am profoundly grateful for their efforts.”
