THE leader of a dangerous gang who kidnapped a man who they believed owed them money has been caged indefinitely.

Harjinder Khakh, 39, from Percy Bush Road, West Drayton, was given an indeterminate sentence at Southwark Crown Court yesterday (Monday) with a recommendation to serve at least 11 years and three months.

Khakh led a gang of five, including his younger brother, to kidnap Inderjeet Sahans on August 3 2006 where they bundled him into a van in Southall driving him across London, holding him hostage fo 22 hours.

Mr Sahans was bundled into a van, with a rucksack placed over his head, kicked, stabbed, and endured threats being made to his family and friends, while being threatened with death himself.

The judge described Khakh as the organiser of the venture and convicted him of kidnap, false imprisonment and blackmail.

Detective Inspector Steve Wagstaff, from the Met Police's Kidnap Unit, said: "The operation to rescue this hostage highlights our dedication to eradicating violent and threatening behaviour of this kind from the capital."

Pierre Walrond, 29, of Essex and Olutula Gisanrin 37, from Southwark was sentenced to 10 years, while Raymond Abraham, 28, of Feltham, was given seven years and three months.

Harjinder Khakh's brother Sukhdev, 29, from Walton-on-Thames is due to be sentenced on March 27.