NEW DELHI: Police arrested four gang members for kidnapping actor Mushtaq Mohammad Khan from Delhi airport and holding him captive in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor, while demanding ransom. Officials revealed that the criminals had also planned to kidnap veteran actor Shakti Kapoor by inviting him to a purported event.
Bijnor superintendent of police Abhishek Jha disclosed on Saturday that event manager Shivam Yadav lodged a complaint on December 9.
The complaint said that on October 15, Lavi, also known as Rahul Saini, sent Rs 25,000 and an air ticket to Khan for a supposed event in Meerut. Upon his November 20 arrival at Delhi airport, a cab driver took Khan to a renowned ‘shikanji’ shop between Meerut and Delhi.
Then, Khan was forced into another vehicle and more people joined. The police reported that the actor was then informed of his kidnapping and detained at Lavi’s residence.
“During his captivity, the kidnappers took Mushtaq Khan’s bank account details and password. On the night of November 20, the accused consumed alcohol and slept. The following morning, Mushtaq Khan managed to escape and reached a mosque in Mohalla Chahshiri, where locals contacted his family and helped him return home.”
“On November 21, the kidnappers withdrew Rs 2.2 lakh from Mushtaq Khan’s bank account while shopping in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar,” the officer said.
The arrested individuals are Sarthak Chaudhary, Sabiuddin, Azim, and Shashank. Police recovered Rs 1.04 lakh from them.
Investigations revealed the gang’s pattern of targeting film personalities by sending advance payments and air tickets under the pretence of events.
The police discovered that Shakti Kapoor was offered Rs 5 lakh for a similar event, but the scheme failed due to high advance payment requirements.
Authorities are investigating potential connections to other film star kidnappings. Police continue their search for remaining gang members, including Lavi.
In a related incident, Arjun, involved in comedian Sunil Pal’s kidnapping, sustained injuries during a police encounter in Meerut on Sunday.
After his Saturday arrest, Arjun attempted to escape during a medical checkup at Lalkurti police station by seizing a sub-inspector’s pistol.
During his escape attempt, Arjun fired at the police team, who returned fire, resulting in his injury.
Meerut senior superintendent of police Vipin Tada reported recovering an SUV Scorpio used in Sunil Pal’s kidnapping, along with Rs 2.25 lakh and a mobile phone linked to the crime.
“Arjun was immediately taken to the hospital in an injured condition. Police are now searching for his associates, as they believe the gang involved in the kidnapping is based in Bijnor. Authorities have also contacted the victim for further statements and are continuing their investigation into the case,” the SSP said.
