Pune Police Nab Driver, Accomplices in Ayurveda Practitioner Kidnapping Case
Pune Rural Police have made significant progress in a shocking kidnapping case. They arrested four individuals, including the victim's own driver, for allegedly abducting an ayurveda practitioner and extorting a massive ransom of Rs19 lakh from him.
Police Action and Recovery
The Uruli Kanchan police team, under the leadership of Inspector Sachin Wangde, acted swiftly on this case. Their investigation led to the recovery of Rs7.80 lakh in cash. Police also seized the vehicle that was used during the commission of this crime.
While four suspects are now in police custody, authorities confirm that three other accomplices remain at large. The search continues for these individuals who are believed to be holding the remaining ransom money.
The Arrested Individuals
Police have identified all four arrested persons as residents of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The main accused is Rajendra Rajguru, aged 32, who worked as the victim's driver. His accomplices include Santosh Bankar (36), Datta Aher (34), and Sunil Magar (30).
According to Assistant Police Inspector Dnyaneshwar Bajgire of Uruli Kanchan police, Rajguru served as the mastermind behind this elaborate plot. "Rajguru carefully planned the abduction of the practitioner to demand ransom money," API Bajgire explained to reporters. "He needed this money to settle his growing financial debts."
The Night of the Crime
The incident unfolded on the evening of January 10. The ayurveda practitioner had gone out for dinner with his female assistant and his lawyer. Rajguru was driving the vehicle that night.
After dropping the lawyer at his destination, the car was heading toward Kunjirwadi when another vehicle suddenly intercepted them. Four men forcefully entered the victim's car, brandishing sharp weapons and threatening everyone inside.
The attackers physically assaulted the practitioner. In a particularly brutal moment, one assailant actually bit the victim's hand. The gang then demanded Rs20 lakh for the safe release of the practitioner.
The Ransom Payment
Under extreme duress, the practitioner contacted his wife. She managed to arrange an immediate payment of Rs4 lakh. For the next two days, the kidnappers drove their captives to various isolated locations around Uruli Kanchan and Shindawane.
On January 12, the victim's wife arranged an additional Rs15 lakh. Once the kidnappers received the total amount of Rs19 lakh, they released the practitioner and his assistant. They also released Rajguru, who had cleverly staged his own kidnapping to avoid raising any suspicion.
Police Investigation Breakthrough
The Uruli Kanchan police joined forces with the local crime branch to form two dedicated investigation teams. Officers quickly noticed inconsistencies in Rajguru's version of events during initial questioning.
"We took Rajguru into custody for detailed interrogation," API Bajgire stated. "Under sustained questioning, he finally confessed to his involvement and revealed the names of his accomplices."
Further investigation uncovered that Rajguru had previously worked for the victim about two years ago before returning to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Facing severe financial pressure, he came back to Pune just two days before the crime and asked for his old job back.
The unsuspecting practitioner immediately rehired him. On the night of the kidnapping, Rajguru maintained constant communication with the other suspects who were following the victim's car at a distance.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have successfully recovered the car belonging to suspect Santosh Bankar. However, the search continues for the three remaining accomplices who managed to escape. Authorities believe these individuals are currently in possession of the balance ransom money.
This case highlights the vulnerability of professionals to crimes orchestrated by those they trust. The Pune police continue their investigation to ensure all involved parties face appropriate legal consequences.
