In a shocking incident highlighting the dangers of online deception, a 15-year-old boy from Thane was kidnapped for a hefty ransom after being ensnared by a fake Instagram account. The police successfully rescued the teenager and arrested four young men within a day of the crime being reported.
The Elaborate Online Trap
The Class 10 student was initially contacted on Instagram by the accused, who had created a profile posing as a young girl. Over a period of time, the perpetrators built an emotional bond with the boy, creating the illusion of a romantic relationship and gaining his complete trust. Once the trust was established, they invited him for a meeting at Nandivali in Kalyan (East), Thane.
Unaware of the danger, the boy travelled to the location in an app-based cab. Upon arrival, he was kidnapped and confined in a room inside a residential building. The kidnappers then demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh from his family, sending a threatening voice message via WhatsApp.
Swift Police Action Leads to Rescue
The boy's parents filed a formal complaint with the police on December 28. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the investigative team used CCTV footage and technical analysis to track the cab used by the victim. This crucial lead allowed them to pinpoint the location where the boy was being held captive.
In a commendable operation, the police raided the hideout within 24 hours of the complaint. They successfully rescued the unharmed teenager and placed all four suspects under arrest. The accused have been identified as Pradeep Kumar Jaiswal (24), Vishal Pasi (19), Chandan Maurya (19), and Satyam Yadav (19).
Legal Repercussions and a Stark Warning
The four men have been formally charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for kidnapping and extortion. They have been remanded to police custody as the investigation continues. This case serves as a critical reminder for parents and teenagers about the very real perils of interacting with strangers on social media platforms.
Police officials have reiterated the importance of verifying online identities and exercising extreme caution before agreeing to meet anyone known only through digital interactions. The rapid resolution of this case underscores the effectiveness of modern surveillance and forensic techniques in tackling cyber-facilitated crimes.
