A 30-year-old journalist was allegedly abducted at knifepoint, held captive for over two hours, and forced to transfer Rs 32,000 to his captors in Nishatpura area late Monday night. Nishatpura police registered a case of abduction, robbery, and extortion and detained suspects for questioning.
Incident Details
According to police, complainant Anuj Maina, a resident of Jagdishpur in Eintkhedi, works as a journalist with a Hindi daily. After finishing work, he returned home and stepped out with a friend to have tea. The two had tea, after which his friend left. Anuj was then returning home.
Around 12:30 am, while traveling from Housing Board area towards Mandi Road near Devki Nagar bridge, a youth allegedly asked him for a lift. When Anuj refused, the youth suddenly came in front of his motorcycle, causing him to lose balance and fall. Within moments, three more youths, one of them armed with a large knife, surrounded him and demanded money.
Kidnapping and Theft
After learning that he was not carrying cash, the accused allegedly snatched his mobile phone and earbuds before forcing him onto a motorcycle and taking him to a room in Kamal Nagar area. Police said the accused assaulted him, searched his phone, and tried to withdraw money from his bank accounts. When they were unable to access sufficient funds, they allegedly threatened to kill him and dump his body on railway tracks.
Forced Transaction
Under pressure, Anuj contacted friends and arranged money. The accused allegedly forced him to get Rs 32,000 transferred through online transactions from four friends into a bank account reportedly belonging to a person identified as Farhan. Police said the accused also recorded a video in which the journalist was allegedly made to state that he had transferred the money voluntarily.
Police Action
After being released, Anuj approached Nishatpura police and lodged a complaint. Acting on the information, police conducted raids on Tuesday morning and detained four suspects, including a minor, from Housing Board and adjoining areas. Further investigation is underway.
