Ex-Minister Arrested For Praveen Rao's Kidnapping

In a shocking turn of events, the city police today arrested former Andhra Pradesh tourism minister Bhuma Akhila Priya and her brother-in-law for their alleged involvement in the recent kidnapping of former national-level badminton player Praveen Rao, and his brothers Sunil and Naveen.

Priya and her brother-in-law were taken to the Bowenpally police station after their arrest. After that, the former minister was transferred to the women's police station in Begumpet, and was later taken to the Gandhi Hospital for a medical examination, where she reportedly fainted after suffering from fits.

Speaking about the case, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Anjani Kumar said that though the main suspects had been arrested, further investigations were still being carried out.

"After the three victims were rescued safely, the city's task force officials and the Bowenpally police are continuing to investigate the case further. They are currently looking for four more persons involved in the case. Bhuma Akhila Priya's husband Bhargav is also still absconding. It is believed that a land dispute between Priya and the Rao brothers over 50 acres of land in Hafeezpet which is worth about Rs 200 crore, is at the root of the incident," he said.

The police have so far been able to apprehend around 10 persons involved in the kidnapping, and to seize the vehicles used for the act.

The three brothers were abducted from their home in Bowenpally late last night. And right from the start the Rao family had alleged that the former tourism minister and her husband were behind the kidnapping.