Torture gang member held in India

Kaushal was convicted in his absence in January 2005

A British man involved in the kidnap and torture of a Lancashire businessman has been arrested in India after almost five years on the run.

Ajay Kaushal, 50, was detained in Goa on Monday by police investigating the death of a man he was travelling with.

Kaushal failed to appear at his British trial in January 2005 and was sentenced to 15 years in his absence. Five other men were also convicted.

Lancashire Police are now liaising with the Indian authorities.

Indian authorities said he was arrested by chance in Panaji after his travelling companion was found dead in a hotel room after apparently suffering a drug overdose.

Violent assault

Deputy Police Superintendent Umesh Gaonkar said: "We found Kaushal's identification documents on him, which helped us confirm his identity and corroborate it with Lancashire Police."

He said that Kaushal would be handed over to British police.

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman said: "Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this matter."

Kaushal was part of a gang of men who kidnapped a shop manager at his home in Burnley in 2003 and drove him to a location in Manchester.

The man was then subjected to a violent assault while demands for large sums of money were made to family and friends. Once a substantial quantity of money had been handed over to the kidnappers the man was released.

'Most wanted'

Kaushal, who was living in Stretford, Greater Manchester, was arrested and later charged - along with five other men - with conspiracy to kidnap.

The other five men were convicted during the trial at Preston Crown Court while their accomplice went on the run.

Kaushal was highlighted as one of the force's most wanted men and its Serious and Organised Crime Unit had been actively pursuing him.

Detectives are now preparing to travel out to India to bring him back to the UK.