With the government still grappling with the Iraq hostage crisis involving three Indians, another case of abduction of its national in Poland has come to light.

Harish Hitange, 37, of Nasik, Maharashtra, was abducted in April 20, 2004, in Warsaw and his kidnappers, who are demanding a huge ransom, have reportedly cut off three of his fingers.

Hitange is an executive for an Indian textiles firm in Warsaw and lives with his family there.

"This is clearly a criminal act, which is being investigated by the Polish authorities, Polish police and law enforcement agencies at very high levels," external affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said in New Delhi.

He was asked about a report that said the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of 2 million euros (about Rs 11 crore).

Sarna said India's Ambassador in Warsaw Anil Wadhwa is working with the Polish authorities and making all efforts to secure Hitange's release.

"We have here also sought the cooperation of the Polish embassy in Delhi to reinforce our concern in this matter and to offer any assistance that we could," he said.