Synopsis
Patna Police arrested 11 suspects in the abduction and murder case of Pune businessman Laxman Sadhu Shinde, who went missing on April 11. The gang confessed to six additional kidnappings. Investigations revealed they lured victims through online platforms to extort money.Key Takeaways
- 11 arrests made in connection with the case.
- Gang involved in 6 similar kidnappings this year.
- Victims were lured online.
- Ransom pressure on families.
- Police tracing additional victims.
Patna, April 16 (NationPress) Patna Police have apprehended 11 individuals regarding the abduction and murder of Pune businessman Laxman Sadhu Shinde, who disappeared after arriving in the city on April 11. In a crucial development, the gang has admitted to being involved in at least six additional similar crimes between January 25 and March 27 of this year.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Awakash Kumar announced on Wednesday that seven suspects were arrested late on Tuesday night, while four others were already in custody.
The seven arrested have been identified as Ranjit Patel, Viptara Kumar, Lalbihari, Vikas alias Mohit, Kundan Kumar, Sangita Kumari, and Sachin Ranjan.
The arrests followed a thorough investigation conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
“Initially, we thought it was a straightforward missing person case, but as the investigation unfolded, we discovered it was linked to an organized gang that had kidnapped the businessman,” Kumar stated.
The gang is said to have enticed businessmen through emails, WhatsApp messages, Facebook, and other online platforms, persuading them to visit Patna under the guise of lucrative business opportunities.
Upon their arrival in Patna, victims were taken to secluded areas and coerced into transferring funds via UPI or bank accounts. Their families were also pressured to pay ransom.
“The police were able to trace the vehicle used in the crime to Jandaha block in Vaishali district and arrested its owner, which led to significant arrests across three districts,” Kumar added.
According to SSP Kumar, the detained suspects have confessed to at least six more similar kidnappings occurring between January 25 and March 27.
Victims were reportedly released only after their ransom demands were met.
“We are currently reaching out to the victims from previous cases and will register FIRs accordingly,” Kumar mentioned.
The police are now identifying and connecting with other businessmen who may have fallen victim to this extortion scheme, with additional FIRs anticipated.
Shinde arrived in Patna on the night of April 11 and had been unaccounted for until later found murdered in Jehanabad district, police reported.
The deceased, Shinde (55), a resident of DP Road, Kothrud in Pune, owned a company named Centrifugal Casting Bearing, located in Khed Shivapur, Pune.
His body was discovered on April 14 within the jurisdiction of Ghosi Police Station in Jehanabad.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Rs 90,000 was withdrawn using Shinde’s ATM cards before he was assaulted to death after allegedly refusing to disclose details of other bank accounts.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
