Bhubaneswar, Oct 11: Mancheswar police have arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly kidnapping his close friend and holding him captive to recover a loan of Rs1.25 lakh. The accused, identified as Anshuman Chiranjib Mallik, hails from Tihidi in Bhadrak district and was residing at Saptasati Vihar in Mancheswar. Police have also seized the motorcycle allegedly used in the kidnapping.

According to police, the accused and the victim, Smrutiranjan Nayak, were close friends. A few days ago, Nayak had borrowed Rs1.25 lakh from Mallik due to a financial need. However, despite repeated demands for repayment, Nayak allegedly kept delaying the payment.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mallik, along with three to four associates, allegedly abducted Nayak along with his motorcycle by force. He was taken to an isolated location near Pandara, where he was held captive.

During his captivity, Nayak managed to inform his friend, Om Prakash Swain of Sabarang in Bhadrak, about the incident. He reportedly told Swain that he had been kidnapped by a group of men who were demanding Rs1.25 lakh and threatening to kill him if the money was not paid.

Following the information, Swain lodged a complaint at Mancheswar police station. Acting on the complaint, police tracked Nayak's mobile phone and conducted a raid in the Pandara area during the night. The victim was rescued safely, and Mallik, who was allegedly guarding him, was arrested.

Police also seized the motorcycle used in the alleged crime. Mallik was subsequently produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody after his bail plea was rejected.

Meanwhile, police have launched raids at various locations to apprehend the other persons allegedly involved in the kidnapping. Further investigation is underway.