A prominent businessman in Panadura has allegedly been abducted by a group of unidentified individuals while he was returning home along a side road off Mahanama Road in Panadura.

According to the Panadura South Police, the incident occurred at around 10:00 p.m. yesterday (29), when the businessman was travelling home in his car with his wife and two daughters.

The group, who were travelling in another car, allegedly attacked the businessman near his residence and smashed the windows of his vehicle before abducting him.

The businessman’s two daughters were unharmed in the incident, while his wife sustained injuries and was admitted to the Panadura Base Hospital.

Police said that when the group attempted to abduct the businessman, he continued driving his vehicle without stopping. The car subsequently veered off the road and fell into a roadside drain.

The suspects then allegedly smashed the windows of the vehicle, dragged the businessman out, assaulted him and forced him into their vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Police have so far uncovered information suggesting that the abduction may have been carried out by a relative of the businessman.

The Panadura South Police have launched a special investigation to identify and arrest the suspects.

The businessman’s vehicle was damaged in the incident, while officers from the Panadura Division Crime Scene Investigation Unit have commenced further investigations.