Lorry driver’s death linked to farm debts

IPOH: A joint farm venture which went awry is believed to have led to the murder of a lorry driver from Bidor.

Police believe the victim, K. Jeevanthan, 37, was kidnapped and murdered at an undisclosed place before his body was found in a river near the Sri Tana jetty at Teluk Panglima Garang in Selangor on Wednesday.

Jeevanthan’s limbs were bound and he was believed to have died about four days ago.

Perak acting police chief Deputy Comm A. Paramasivam said police believed that a failed farm venture in Bidor between Jeevanthan and two Indian nationals was the motive for the murder.

He said Jeevanthan’s wife lodged a missing persons report on Nov 1 in Bidor when he failed to return home and did not answer his calls.

“He was said to be driving to the Selayang wholesale market to deliver vegetables before he went missing,” said DCP Paramasivam.

“On Nov 3, she received a call from one Periathambi, an Indian national who told her to get RM50,000 as payment to release her husband and his lorry.

“We believe Jeevanthan was kidnapped in relation to debts incurred from a failed farming venture between him and Periathambi and another Indian national by the name of Bala,” he added.

DCP Paramasivam said Jeevanthan’s wife went to Banting Hospital after reading newspaper reports about the discovery of the body. She later confirmed that it was her husband’s.

“We believe that Jeevanthan was tortured before he died,” he added.

DCP Paramasivam said police were looking for Periathambi and Bala, who are both in their 30s.

He added that Bala is thin with a moustache and curly hair, while Periathambi is chubby and has a beard.

Police are also looking for A. Baskaran, 37, whose last address is 39, Jalan Pending 6, Taman Bandar Puteri, Klang, Selangor, to help investigations.