Chattiparamba (Malappuram): Seven people, including a BJP leader, were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to kidnap a noted NRI businessman K T Rabeeullah.

The intruders, who barged into his house compound on Monday at around 6 am, reportedly pointed guns at the security personnel. They damaged the car parked outside the house.

BJP Minority Morcha National Vice-President Aslam Kurikkal, gunman Kesavamoorthy, Riyas, Arshad, Usman, Ramesh and Sunil have been taken into custody by the police from parts of Kozhikode and Kannur.

They have been charged for unlawful intrusion into house and kidnap attempt with the intention of stealing assets.

Police have also impounded three vehicles used by the attackers. Aslam Kurikkal was nabbed from Kozhikode.

When a group of the attackers jumped the compound wall of the businessman’s house, others waited outside. When some of the locals grew suspicious about people standing outside the house, they questioned them and later called the police.

Three of the arrested are Karnataka natives, one of them a policeman. Recently, there had been rumours spreading in social media that Rabeeullah is missing and is staying in a hideout. After this propaganda, the businessman posted an online video stating that he is at his residence in East Kodur and will visit his business enterprises abroad soon.

The attack happened a few days later after this video was posted.

The accused is being interrogated. Police have recorded the statement of Rabeeullah’s wife Shahrabanu.