Two Nepali nationals have been arrested in Greece on charge of abducting a fellow citizen.

Aiti Ghale, 31, and Dal Thapa Tamang, 35, were arrested by Greece police on charge of abducting Krishna Gurung, 24 of Sankhuwasabha.

According to Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, Gurung had called his brother in Sankhuwasabha on March 30 saying that he had been abducted. The Gurung family then filed a complaint at the CIB which immediately corresponded with Interpol to coordinate with the Greece police.

The CIB said on April 13 that Gurung was found in Kypseli—a neighbourhood in central Athens—with injuries in his body and hands and legs tied.  

Spokesperson of CIB Superintendent of Police Dibesh Lohani said investigations are underway on kidnapping, attempted extortion, robbery and other charges. “We provided all the required details to Interpol and Greece police. The arrest is the result of joint cooperation,” said Lohani, adding that they were investigating into the relation between Ghale and Tamang.

“Gurung (Krishna) has made a call to his home following his release,” said SP Lohani.     

Apart from the Nepalis, three foreigners—Indian national Jamal Kazi, 27, Mammun Mullah, 28, of Bangaldesh and Monsoor Ahmed, 32, of Pakistan—have also been arrested for their alleged involvement in the abduction. Two other Bangladeshi nationals are still at large.  

Police said Gurung, who has been working abroad for the past seven years, had entered Greece some two years ago. Having initially lived in Thessaloniki City, he had moved to Athens at the end of March.

Gurung then met Ghale who invited him to her apartment where he kept hostage. The abductors would then call Gurung’s brother Chandra Prasad, demanding ransom of 14,000 euros. They had even threatened Chandra to kill his brother unless they are paid the ransom.