Daijiworld Media Network- Lucknow

Lucknow, Apr 16: In a major breakthrough, Patna Police have arrested 11 individuals connected to the abduction and murder of Pune-based businessman Laxman Sadhu Shinde, who had been reported missing on April 11 after arriving in the city. Further investigation has revealed that the criminal gang responsible for Shinde's death was also involved in six other kidnappings between January 25 and March 27 this year.

The police’s investigation, led by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), uncovered a sophisticated operation where the gang targeted businessmen, luring them to Patna with offers of business deals. Once the victims arrived, they were abducted and taken to isolated locations, where they were forced to transfer money using bank accounts or UPI. The gang also extorted ransom from the victims' families.

Among the arrested suspects are Ranjit Patel, Viptara Kumar, Lalbihari, Vikas alias Mohit, Kundan Kumar, Sangita Kumari, and Sachin Ranjan. Seven of the accused were apprehended late on Tuesday night, with the remaining four already in custody. Initially, the case was considered a missing person investigation, but as the police probed deeper, they discovered the involvement of an organised gang.

The breakthrough came when the police tracked down the vehicle used in the crime to Jandaha block in Vaishali district, which led to the arrests across three districts. According to SSP Awakash Kumar, the gang had been involved in similar cases of abduction and extortion, with victims released only after their ransom demands were fulfilled.

Shinde, aged 55, who owned a Centrifugal Casting Bearing company in Khed Shivapur, Pune, was found dead on April 14 in Jehanabad district, where he had been murdered. Police discovered that Rs 90,000 had been withdrawn from his ATM cards before his brutal death, which occurred after he allegedly refused to provide information about his other bank accounts.

Shinde is survived by his wife and two children. The police have announced plans to reach out to other potential victims and are preparing to register additional FIRs. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities expect more arrests as the full extent of the gang’s criminal activities is revealed.