2ND LEAD

Indian High Commission's vehicle hijacked, driver released after torture

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 10 April 2007, 06:29 GMT]
A diplomatic van belonging to the Indian High Commission, on it's way to receive a diplomat from the International Airport in Colombo, was hijacked and the driver of the vehicle, S. Vishvanathan, was abducted by two attackers Monday midnight in Seeduwa Police area, southeast of Katunayake International Airport. The driver, badly beaten by the attackers, lost his two teeth and released around 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, Police said.

High Commission officials were able trace Mr. Vishvanathan around 6:00 a.m. in the morning.

The vehicle which left Colombo around 11:00 p.m., had been chased by a car from Peliyagoda and obstructed near Dandugama bridge, according to the Police.

The attackers in the car bound the driver, Mr. Vishvanathan, and took him away in their car.

The van was driven away by one of the men.

In 2005, Indian Deputy High Commissioner A. Manikkam's Jeep was robbed at gun point at Abeypussa rest house. The vehicle was never recovered.