Kolkata businessman kidnapped by fake CID officers, robbed of ₹3.7 lakh in moving SUV
Synopsis
A Kolkata import-export businessman was forced into a black SUV by men posing as CID officers near Red Road, held at gunpoint, beaten, and robbed of ₹3.7 lakh when he could not pay a ₹1 crore ransom — then dumped near Madhyamgram once the kidnappers learnt police had been alerted. CCTV footage is now the key lead.
Key Takeaways
A businessman from Baduria, North 24 Parganas was allegedly kidnapped near Red Road, Kolkata on Friday by men impersonating CID officers .
The accused abducted him in a black SUV , demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore , and beat him at gunpoint when he could not pay.
The victim was robbed of a gold chain worth ₹3 lakh and ₹70,000 in cash before being pushed out near Madhyamgram .
His two associates were assaulted when they tried to intervene; they subsequently alerted the police, prompting the kidnappers to flee.
Kolkata Police have registered a case and are analysing CCTV footage near the Phoolbagan mall and Red Road to identify the accused.
A businessman from Baduria in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, was allegedly kidnapped and robbed inside a moving vehicle by a group of unidentified men posing as Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers in central Kolkata on Friday, police confirmed on Sunday. The accused demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore, assaulted the victim at gunpoint, and fled after pushing him out near Madhyamgram.
How the Incident Unfolded
The victim, engaged in import-export trade, had visited a shopping mall in Phoolbagan, north Kolkata, accompanied by two associates. A group of men approached them near Red Road in central Kolkata, identified themselves as CID officers, and forced the businessman into a black SUV on the pretext of conducting a search.
When his associates attempted to intervene, they were allegedly assaulted. Inside the moving vehicle, the victim was held at gunpoint and ordered to pay a ransom of ₹1 crore. When he was unable to comply, the accused reportedly beat him severely before robbing him of a gold chain worth ₹3 lakh and ₹70,000 in cash.
How the Ordeal Ended
The kidnappers reportedly became aware that the businessman's companions had alerted the police. Fearing arrest, the accused pushed the victim out of the moving vehicle near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas and fled the scene. The businessman subsequently filed a complaint at Phoolbagan police station.
What the Police Said
A senior officer of Kolkata Police confirmed the sequence of events. 'The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of one crore rupees from the businessman. After the amount was denied, they robbed the victim of ₹70,000 and a gold chain and fled,' the officer said.
Investigators have begun examining CCTV footage from cameras installed near the Phoolbagan shopping mall and along Red Road to identify the accused. 'Based on the complaint, we have started an investigation into the incident. We are trying to find out who was involved,' the officer added.
Pattern of Concern
The incident raises serious concerns about the growing menace of criminals impersonating law enforcement personnel in West Bengal. Fraudsters posing as police or intelligence officers to extort or rob civilians have been reported in several Indian cities, exploiting the public's reluctance to resist apparent official authority. The fact that the accused operated in a busy commercial area of central Kolkata in broad daylight underscores the audacity of the crime.
Investigators are expected to widen the search for the accused as CCTV analysis progresses. The case has been registered and further action is anticipated as the probe develops.
Point of View
A busy mall, central Kolkata in daylight — points to a calculated exploitation of institutional authority. Criminals posing as law enforcement know that most civilians will not resist a 'CID check', making impersonation a low-risk, high-reward tactic. What is equally telling is that the kidnappers fled only after learning the police had been called — suggesting they had no contingency plan, which means investigators have a workable window. The real question is whether Kolkata Police can move fast enough on CCTV leads before the trail goes cold, and whether this incident prompts a wider review of how easily criminal gangs can mimic official conduct in public spaces.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Kolkata businessman kidnapped by fake CID officers?
A businessman from Baduria, North 24 Parganas, was allegedly abducted near Red Road in central Kolkata by men posing as CID officers. He was held at gunpoint inside a moving black SUV, beaten, and robbed of ₹3.7 lakh before being pushed out near Madhyamgram when the kidnappers learnt police had been alerted.
How much was the businessman robbed of?
The victim was robbed of a gold chain worth ₹3 lakh and ₹70,000 in cash, totalling approximately ₹3.7 lakh. The accused had initially demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore, which the businessman was unable to pay.
Where did the kidnapping take place and where was the victim released?
The abduction began near Red Road in central Kolkata after the victim was approached at a shopping mall in Phoolbagan. He was eventually pushed out of the vehicle near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas.
What action has Kolkata Police taken?
Kolkata Police registered a case following a complaint at Phoolbagan police station. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from near the Phoolbagan mall and along Red Road to identify and apprehend the accused.
How did the kidnappers manage to abduct the businessman?
The accused identified themselves as CID officers and took the businessman into a black SUV on the pretext of conducting an official search. His two associates, who tried to intervene, were assaulted. The impersonation of law enforcement personnel allowed the group to act without immediate public interference.
