Jaipur kidnapping mastermind Karan Aswani extradited from Dubai, arrested
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Alleged kidnapping mastermind Karan Aswani, also known as Kamal Sindhi, has been brought back to Jaipur after being detained in the UAE — nearly a year after he fled India following the abduction of Jaipur businessman Narendra Nath Datta and a subsequent ransom demand made to his family. The Rajasthan Police confirmed the development on Friday, 4 September, stating that Aswani arrived in Jaipur late on Thursday night in the custody of a police team.
How the Kidnapping Unfolded
According to police, Narendra Nath Datta left his Jaipur residence on 20 August 2025, headed for Vaishali Nagar, accompanied by an acquaintance and a driver. His family grew alarmed when his mobile phone was found switched off. The following day, a call came from Datta's own number informing the family that he had been kidnapped and demanding ransom for his release.
An FIR was registered at Khoh Nagorian police station on 21 August 2025. Acting swiftly, police rescued both Datta and his driver, Yogesh. Three accused — Harsh Gautam, Kanak Ganguly, and Ajay Beniwal alias Shaka — were arrested in the initial phase of the investigation.
Modus Operandi and Criminal Network
Investigators found that the accused had allegedly dressed in police uniforms to carry out the abduction. The victims were reportedly held captive at multiple locations, including Agra, while ransom demands were made to their families. The victim's Innova Crysta was recovered from the possession of Harsh Gautam, and a Swift car allegedly used in the crime was also seized.
As the probe deepened, Karan Aswani's alleged role as the mastermind emerged, along with evidence of his links to an organised crime syndicate. Police teams searched his suspected hideouts, but Aswani had already fled the country by the time search efforts intensified. A court subsequently issued an arrest warrant against him.
International Manhunt and Extradition
After receiving intelligence that Aswani had escaped to Dubai, the Rajasthan Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) expanded its investigation internationally. A Red Corner Notice was issued against him through Interpol. The AGTF maintained sustained coordination with the Interpol unit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, sharing crucial information and using technical surveillance to trace Aswani's location.
The Abu Dhabi Interpol authorities subsequently detained him. A Rajasthan Police team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Siddharth Sharma departed for Dubai on 31 August, completed the required legal and coordination formalities, and took custody of the accused before flying him back to Jaipur late on Thursday night.
Officers Behind the Operation
The operation was conducted under the direction of Dinesh MN, Additional Director General of Police (ATS, ANTF and AGTF), and supervised by Deputy Inspector General of Police Yogesh Yadav and Additional Superintendent of Police Siddhant Sharma. Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravindra Pratap and Police Inspectors Sunil Jangid and Shri Ram Singh Nathawat, along with their teams, played a key role in tracing the accused, mapping his criminal network, and coordinating with international agencies.
With Aswani now in Rajasthan Police custody, investigators are expected to interrogate him on the full extent of the syndicate's operations and any accomplices still at large.