Tirur: Police on Saturday arrested three men in connection with the disappearance of PB Chalib, a deputy tahsildar from the Tirur Taluk office, who went missing a few days ago.

The suspects, identified as Shafeeq and Faizal from Randathani, and Ajmal, a resident of Vettichira, were taken into custody following an investigation into the case.

According to reports, the accused allegedly threatened Chalib and extorted Rs 10 lakh from him. They had threatened to file a false POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case against him and destroy his family if he did not comply with their demands.

PB Chalib returned home on Friday at midnight. He had informed his family that he had left due to mental stress.

The three accused were arrested by police following a complaint filed by the tahsildar. Police are continuing their investigation into the case.

What happened?

Chalib, a resident of Mangattiri in Tirur, was last seen on Wednesday evening around 5:15 pm when he left his office. He had mentioned to his colleagues that he would return late, but by 11:00 pm, he had not returned home. His family subsequently filed a missing person report with the Tirur Police.

Amid his disappearance, his family raised serious concerns, suggesting the involvement of the local soil mining mafia. Chalib had recently conducted a survey in Irimbiliyam, Malappuram, addressing soil mining issues along the National Highway. According to them, the mafia might be responsible, citing the threatening messages and phone calls Chalib had received in connection to his work in the Revenue Department. However, it is still unclear whether his disappearance is directly linked to his official duties or the recent raid.

This new development comes at this juncture.