Businessman abducted in Sharjah successfully rescued by Kerala police forces
In a dramatic turn of events, VP Shameer, a prominent UAE-based Indian businessman, was rescued safely by the Kerala Police after being kidnapped on August 12, 2025, in his hometown near Pandikkad in Malappuram district.
The kidnapping, orchestrated by a criminal group led by a former employee of Shameer, Puthu Veettil Shamseer, and several others with known criminal records, took place around 7:45 pm, as seen on CCTV footage. The businessman was intercepted on his motorcycle and forcibly taken into a Toyota Innova.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of approximately ₹1.5 crore (around 10.5 million rupees), and two WhatsApp calls were allegedly made to Shameer's business partner in the UAE and his wife, attempting to coerce them into paying the ransom and withdrawing police complaints. However, the police, led by Malappuram District Superintendent of Police R Vishwanath IPS and Deputy SP A Premjith, were quick to respond.
Authorities tracked the kidnappers using CCTV, location tracking of the vehicle, and by tracing phone activity that briefly resumed in Ernakulam. The police investigation involved multiple districts including Malappuram, Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thrissur, showcasing coordinated law enforcement efforts.
As a result of these efforts, eleven suspects were arrested, including the former employee and members of the gang. During the investigation, it was found that the kidnappers planned to smuggle Shameer into Tamil Nadu after extorting ransom money. The police conducted a late-night car chase to rescue Shameer, who was held and reportedly assaulted in Chavakkad, Thrissur district.
VP Shameer, chairman of the International Promoters Association (IPA), was successfully rescued without harm. Yesterday, four individuals were arrested in connection to the kidnapping, and the businessman was rescued from the district of Kollam, over 300 kilometers away from Malappuram. The perpetrators remain in custody as the investigation continues.
The victim's wife, upon learning about the kidnapping, flew home, and Riyaz Kilton, chairman of IPA, was in touch with local police and received updates about the significant developments in the case. Despite the shocking incident, Shameer is reported to be recovering well.
References: [1] Kerala Police Rescues UAE-Based Businessman [2] UAE Businessman Kidnapped in Kerala Rescued [3] Kidnapped UAE Businessman Rescued by Kerala Police [4] Kerala Police Rescues UAE Businessman from Kidnappers [5] Kerala Police Rescues UAE-Based Businessman
- The aforementioned kidnapping of VP Shameer, a UAE-based Indian businessman, is being closely followed by major news outlets, including general-news platforms and crime-and-justice focused channels.
- This recent event in Kerala's Malappuram district has undeniably made headlines in the business world, suggesting a potential impact on careers and businesses, as well as in lifestyle magazines focusing on personal stories, such as travel and food.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of politics and international relations, diplomatic discussions may be held to address the safety and security of foreign nationals residing in India.
- Health and wellness enthusiasts may also have an interest in the aftermath of this incident, as discussions regarding stress management and resilience in the face of trauma emerge in lifestyle publications.
- Sports analysts, although seemingly unrelated, have recently started to speculate on how this event might affect the partnerships and sponsorships of Shameer, who is a prominent figure in the sports industry through the International Promoters Association (IPA).
