Indian kidnapped, mauled over low-priced jewelry

An Indian national was rescued by San Juan police after allegedly being kidnapped, beaten, and robbed by five armed men who reportedly have links with his business rivals.

In Emil Sumangil’s "24 Oras" report, police investigations revealed that the victim—who sells synthetic diamonds in a shopping complex in San Juan — had drawn the ire of competitors for selling his goods at very low prices.

“Sinasabi po nila na naapektuhan po yung kanilang negosyo. Gawaan ang biktima po ay nagbebenta ng sobrang baba ng mga synthetic diamonds. Ito po ay nakakapekto ng luha doon sa mga negosyo ng suspect,” said Police Colonel Deodennis Joy Marmol, San Juan Chief of Police.

(They said their business was affected because the victim was selling synthetic diamonds at very low prices. This hurt the suspects’ own businesses.)

Colonel Marmol explained that the suspects allegedly hired goons to confront the victim.

“Sinakay po siya sa kotse. Nung nasa loob po siya ng kotse, sinaktan po siya at pinagbantaan po na "huwag ka nang babalik ng Pilipinas." Bukod po doon, kinuha po yung kanyang mga personal na gamit consisting po ng one million worth of synthetic diamonds na binibenta niya,” Marmol added.

(They forced him into a car. Inside, he was beaten and warned never to return to the Philippines. They also took his belongings, including around one million pesos’ worth of synthetic diamonds.)

After being released, the victim immediately reported the incident to police, prompting an operation to track down the suspects.

“Naresolba po natin ito sa pamamagitan po ng record check po noong sasakyan na ginamit at saka po sa pag-backtrack po ng mga CCTV footage,” he added.

(We resolved the case through a records check on the vehicle used and by backtracking CCTV footage.)

Authorities have yet to release the identities of the suspects, who are currently under investigation. They have remained silent on the allegations.

Despite the ordeal, the victim expressed gratitude for his rescue.

“Right now I'm feeling so much safe,” the victim said.

Police assured the public that operations continue to ensure the safety of foreign nationals and to protect fair business practices in the city. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News