Basti Youth Fakes Abduction Over Debt Stress, Police Investigation Unravels Hoax
A detailed investigation by Basti police has uncovered that a 22-year-old youth, who was reported missing from the Rudhauli area on February 7, orchestrated his own abduction due to severe mental stress caused by mounting financial debt. The incident, which initially raised serious concerns, was revealed to be a fabricated story after meticulous police work.
Initial Complaint and Police Response
On February 7, 2026, the complainant, Sanjay Chaudhary, approached Rudhauli police in Basti to report that his younger brother, Sonu Chaudhary (22), had gone missing on the night of February 6 near the Kohra canal culvert. Sonu had allegedly called his fiancée, claiming that five to six unidentified men had surrounded, assaulted, and abducted him. Based on this complaint, an FIR was promptly registered under Section 140(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and a comprehensive search operation was launched.
Considering the gravity of the allegation, a special police team was constituted under the supervision of the Rudhauli station in-charge, as confirmed by SP Basti Yesh Veer Singh. The team immediately began gathering evidence and following leads to locate the missing youth.
Investigation Uncovers Contradictions
The breakthrough in the case came on Monday when police analyzed technical evidence, CCTV footage, and witness statements. SP Yesh Veer Singh stated that during the investigation, it was discovered that Sonu had hired an autorickshaw driven by Gulam Hussain Ansari, who dropped him approximately 25 km away at Bade Van Chauraha in Basti. This finding directly contradicted the abduction narrative.
Further scrutiny of CCTV footage revealed Sonu walking safely in Basti city about 55 minutes after the alleged kidnapping incident. Additionally, the driver and conductor of bus number UP78 KN 0179 confirmed that Sonu later boarded a Lucknow-bound bus, indicating he was moving freely and not under any duress.
Confession and Underlying Motives
Amid the ongoing search operation, Sonu eventually appeared at the police station and confessed to fabricating the entire abduction story. He disclosed that he was under severe mental stress due to a debt of Rs 1 lakh, which had accumulated from various sources. The constant pressure from lenders, coupled with ongoing family issues, had overwhelmed him.
Sonu also revealed that he had purchased a two-wheeler on loan and was unable to find buyers when he attempted to sell it, exacerbating his financial woes. This combination of factors led him to stage the abduction as a desperate cry for help and an attempt to escape his dire circumstances.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
With the truth now exposed, necessary legal action is being initiated against Sonu for filing a false complaint and wasting police resources. This case highlights the critical role of modern investigative techniques, such as CCTV analysis and witness verification, in uncovering the facts.
It also sheds light on the severe impact of financial stress and mental health issues on individuals, prompting discussions about the need for better support systems and awareness in society. The Basti police's thorough approach ensured that the hoax was quickly identified, preventing further escalation and misuse of law enforcement efforts.
