Man, 85, fights off 'kidnapper'

The Canadian man managed to thwart a plot, according to authorities, hatched by two men over a dispute.

DUBAI // An 85-year-old man avoided being kidnapped by fighting off his 28-year old attacker, a court heard yesterday. A Pakistani technician, identified as MA, was charged with the attempted kidnapping of the India-born Canadian, JJ, as well as theft and impersonating a CID officer. A 48-year-old Indian manager, HS, was also charged with conspiracy in the kidnapping plot. Both men denied the charges in the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance.

The octogenarian told prosecutors that MA pulled up in front of his car as he was leaving his house in Nad al Hamar. The defendant told JJ's driver that he was a CID officer and ordered them out of their car, they said. After a verbal exchange and an attempt by the driver to stop MA, the octogenarian tried to escape on foot but was tackled by the defendant. He then wrestled himself away from MA. MA was arrested at a car rental agency where he was returning the vehicle he used in the kidnapping attempt, a policeman told the court. He confessed to the crime, claiming the plan was set up by HS because of a dispute with JJ, the officer said.

The court adjourned the case until August 23. @Email:[e-mail]