By NALINEE SEELAL Thursday, November 20 2008

Kidnappers have demanded a $250,000 ransom for kidnapped businessman, Anup Patel.

Patel, 35, was snatched Tuesday morning from outside an apartment building owned by him at Ninth Avenue, Barataria.

Late Tuesday, the kidnappers telephoned the Patel family, owners of Shiva Jewellers Limited at Grand Bazaar, and demanded the ransom.

At around 1 pm yesterday, the kidnappers called the family, and again asked for the ransom. Relatives of the snatched businessman remained indoors yesterday at their home on Eighth Street, Barataria, praying and hoping that Patel is released unharmed. Police investigators from the Anti Kidnapping Squad said yesterday that they are working on several leads. and hope to make a breakthrough shortly. Relatives of the kidnapped man refused to be interviewed.

Patel is the 13th person to be kidnapped for ransom for the year thus far.