Police in Lucknow have uncovered a chilling kidnapping-for-ransom scheme that originated from a financial disagreement between acquaintances. The Sushant Golf City police unit successfully arrested three individuals, recovered a stolen sports utility vehicle (SUV), and seized an illegal firearm, putting an end to the planned crime.
From Debt Demand to Abduction Plan
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Nipun Agarwal, the incident's roots lay in a monetary dispute. The prime accused, Vinod Kumar Yadav, alongside Saurabh Pathak and Mohammad Tabis Khan, alleged that a Rajasthan resident named Lokesh Meena owed them approximately Rs 5 lakh. After their repeated attempts to recover the money proved futile, the trio reportedly devised a drastic plan to compel repayment through abduction.
The Execution of the Kidnapping
The plan was set in motion on December 27. Lokesh Meena was enticed to travel to Lucknow. Upon his arrival with an 18-year-old friend, Sumit Byadwad, the accused confronted him regarding the outstanding debt. The confrontation quickly turned violent. The three men allegedly assaulted Lokesh, confiscated his vehicle, and then abducted both him and his companion, Sumit.
In a twist during the ordeal, Lokesh managed to escape from captivity while en route to an unknown location. However, his friend Sumit was not as fortunate and remained held hostage by the kidnappers.
A Two-Day Ordeal and Police Rescue
The kidnappers transported the hostage, Sumit, to Jaunpur and shifted him between various hideouts for nearly two days. During this period, they allegedly exerted intense pressure on Lokesh Meena and his family, demanding they arrange the ransom money for Sumit's safe release.
When their efforts to extract payment failed, the accused made a critical mistake. They returned to Lucknow with the intention of locating Lokesh and forcing a settlement. This move allowed the vigilant police teams to track and apprehend them. Sumit Byadwad was rescued unharmed, and the stolen vehicle was also recovered by the authorities.
All three accused were formally arrested and subsequently sent to jail. Police investigations revealed that the main accused, Vinod Kumar Yadav, is a known history-sheeter with a criminal record. The case highlights how personal disputes can escalate into serious criminal conspiracies, necessitating swift police intervention.
