British couple kidnapped in India rescued by police

A British couple was abducted on 29 May in Chennai. They have now been rescued by police (Rex features)

A British couple who were kidnapped in India have been rescued by police, officers said last night. The pair were abducted on 29 May in Chennai and apparently held for a £300,000 ransom.

The duo, from London, have not been named but are safe and well, a Scotland Yard spokesman said. The Metropolitan Police launched a joint investigation with counterparts in Chennai after receiving a report the couple, reportedly of Sri Lankan origin, had been kidnapped.

Scotland Yard said: “The Metropolitan Police Service has been working with Indian authorities to secure the release of two British nationals kidnapped in Chennai since 29th May. The couple have now been rescued and are safe and well.”

The Bangalore-based Deccan Herald reported that the couple’s daughter, who also lives in London, sparked the police investigation after receiving a telephone ransom demand for £300,000.

The victims had reportedly flown to Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a wedding, before flying to India for a nine-day temple tour.

The couple were lured into what they thought was a taxi, it was reported, which they believed had been sent by their hotel to collect them.

A Chennai police commissioner said a gang operated from London and India to orchestrate the abduction. Several suspects are believed to have been arrested.