Kuala Lumpur:
Malaysian authorities have charged four people including three Chinese nationals and another man for the kidnapping of an Indian-origin boy.
Self-employed Chong Tat Siong, handphone seller Foong Khar Fai, and unemployed Lee Phak Seng , were accused of kidnapping twelve-year-old Nayati Shamelin Moodliar, with the intent to get a $98000 ransom.
The charge comes under the Kidnapping Act 1961 for abduction, wrongful restraint or wrongful confinement for ransom which bears death or life imprisonment upon conviction.
Nayati's father Sham Moodliar is an ethnic Indian from South Africa while his mother is Dutch. The child holds a dual citizenship.
Nayati was bundled into a car by two men while walking to the Mont' Kiara International School on April 28.
He was released six days later at a rest area after the family paid the ransom. The mastermind is believed to be in Europe and the Interpol is assisting the Malaysian police to track him down.
Police has managed to recover a part of the ransom after nabbing the three men.
Nayati's kidnapping had even prompted premier Najib Razak to express concern via Twitter.
In a show of support, people from around the world had flocked to a Facebook page set up to collect information on his whereabouts.