16:07, 15 October 2003

Two natives of Armenia were abducted in Ingushetia

Two citizens of Armenia: Artur Petrosian, a local paper press photographer, and his 28-year old relative Aleksandr Pashaian were abducted in one of the settlements of Ingushetia's Nazran district on October 12.

Early in the morning, at about 4 a.m., a group of armed people in masks and camouflage rushed into a house on Shkolnaya Street in the village of Nasyr-Kort and captured two its tenants. Other four Artur's nearest relations were in the house. But the criminals did not touched them, only took away their gold ware and money. They put the hostages into a car and escaped in an unknown direction, taking possession of Artur's two videotape recorders, mobile phones, and camera.

According to the latest information, Aleksandr Pashaian was later released, most likely, so as to inform Artur's relatives of the kidnappers' demands. The relatives have not told yet what the criminals' demands are.

Ingush law-enforcement agencies are taking measures to ascertain the whereabouts of Artur Petrosian. The main version of the investigation is that he was kidnapped with the purpose of getting a ransom.

Author: Malika Suleymanova, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot