India, Oct. 20 -- A 29-year-old Delhi Police constable, his childhood friend and their associate allegedly abducted a shopkeeper from near the Red Fort to extort money from his family, said police on Monday.

The incident took place on Sunday and the accused were held near New Delhi railway station on Sunday night. The victim was also released.

Police said the accused, constable Moin Ali, his friend Sonu and their associate Akhtar allegedly planned to target a local shopkeeper at Ghadi Market in Lal Quila area.

"Both Sonu and the shopkeeper run shops in the market. Sonu knew the man had made good sales recently and decided to target his competition. He told Ali that they will be able to extort Rs.5 lakh easily from the man. On Sunday mo...