Bengaluru (PTI): The body of a real estate businessman was found with severe injuries in neighbouring Tamil Nadu on Monday, a day after he was allegedly kidnapped by a gang near here, police said.

The victim, identified as Gopal alias Gopi, a resident of Honnakalasapura village in Anekal taluk on the outskirts of Bengaluru City, was in his late 30's. He is engaged in real estate and financial business, they said.

The police have arrested Mohan Babu, alleged to be the mastermind behind the crime, even as efforts are being made to nab his two associates who kidnapped Gopal.

According to police, on Sunday, Gopal and his friend Satish were travelling in a car from Attibele towards Anekal when the incident occurred near Karpur Gate in Anekal taluk.

The assailants, who had allegedly planned the abduction, rammed the car with another vehicle to stop it.

The miscreants then allegedly sprayed a substance on Gopal and forcibly kidnapped him before fleeing the spot in another car, a senior police officer said.

Satish, who was also sprayed by the kidnappers, managed to alert Gopal's family members, who in turn informed the police.

A team from the Anekal police station rushed to the spot and conducted an inspection. The police have seized the vehicle used to block the car.

"During preliminary investigation, it was found that Gopal and Mohan were both from Kalasapura village in Chikkamagaluru district and had been at loggerheads for about 10–12 years. 

Earlier, Gopal used to work under Mohan in the real estate sector. Later, Gopal became a strong competitor in his business," Chandrakant M V, Superintendent of Police (Bengaluru Rural) told reporters here.

Following this, Mohan was taken into custody for questioning and during interrogation, his role in the case emerged and it was revealed that he was the main conspirator behind the entire incident.

During interrogation, Mohan also claimed that Gopal had been practising black magic against him, causing his ill health.

The police said the truth will emerge only after a deeper investigation.

"Preliminary information suggested that two individuals carried out the kidnapping and they have currently switched off their phones. Once they are traced and apprehended, police will verify the instructions given by Mohan to them and examine all possible angles," he said.

Meanwhile, on Monday morning, Gopal's body was found in Hosur in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

A police team was dispatched for Hosur to conduct the spot inspection and carry out further procedures.

Asked whether Mohan had given a contract to execute the murder, the officer said they could confirm that only after the absconding accused are apprehended and questioned.

"At this stage, as the investigation is ongoing, they cannot make definitive statements," he said.

Asked how the victim was killed, police declined to comment.

"The body has been recovered and will undergo post-mortem examination. Only after receiving the medical report will the exact cause of death be determined," the SP added.

The deceased's family staged a protest outside the local police station, demanding justice and immediate arrest of all those involved in the crime.

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Manama: The Indian Embassy in Bahrain has announced that transit visa arrangements have been made through Saudi Arabia to repatriate Indian nationals stranded in Bahrain due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

According to a statement issued by the embassy, priority will be given to individuals on tourist or short-term visas.

Vinod K Jacob, Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh will obtain individual transit visas from the Saudi government upon request. The Indian Embassy in Bahrain will submit the necessary transit visa requests to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for transit visas via Saudi Arabia has been issued, which are as follows

Passengers intending to travel to India must hold a confirmed air ticket.

It has been advised that a formal note issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh should be presented to Saudi immigration officials at the checkpoint before entering Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi transit visa is valid for 72 to 96 hours. Passengers are required to leave Saudi Arabia for India within this period. It has also been advised that travelers should reach the Saudi checkpoint during daylight hours.

The Embassy has urged all Indian nationals in Bahrain to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in view of the current regional situation. They are requested to follow the instructions issued by local authorities and the Embassy.

The Indian Embassy in Bahrain continues to operate as usual, with a 24×7 helpline available for urgent assistance. For immediate support, citizens can contact +973 39418071 or +973 38400433.

Indians wishing to avail of the transit visa facility can submit their requests along with personal details, including visa and passport information, to the email address wel2.bahrain@mea.gov.in, the Embassy said.