In a recent development, Mumbai’s Vakola police have apprehended three individuals involved in the abduction of a 60-year-old businessman from Gujarat and his 30-year-old associate. The accused confined the victims in a Goregaon apartment for four days, demanding a ransom of ₹68 lakh. The swift action by the police led to the rescue of the captives and the arrest of the perpetrators.
The Abduction Ordeal
The businessman, Keshavji Chaudhary, a garment trader from Kutch, Gujarat, arrived in Mumbai on February 20, 2025, accompanied by his associate, Arun Kumar Charang. Their visit aimed to explore business opportunities in the city. During their stay, Chaudhary received a call from an individual named Soni, who introduced himself as a gold dealer offering gold at prices below the market rate. Enticed by the prospect, Chaudhary agreed to meet Soni in the Kandivali area.
Upon meeting, Soni persuaded Chaudhary and Charang to accompany him to the Ram Mandir vicinity in Goregaon. There, under false pretenses, he led them to a secluded room where they were forcibly confined. The captors seized their mobile phones, effectively cutting off their communication with the outside world.
Ransom Demands and Police Intervention
Meanwhile, Mahesh Chaudhary, Keshavji’s son residing in Santacruz, grew anxious when he couldn’t reach his father, whose phone remained switched off. On February 24, Mahesh received a distressing call from his father’s number. Keshavji informed him about the abduction and the ransom demand. The kidnappers then took over the call, alleging that Keshavji owed them Rs.68 lakh and threatened dire consequences if the amount wasn’t paid promptly.
Shortly after, Mahesh received a message from an unknown number, instructing him to deliver Rs.25 lakh to an Angadia agent in Malad. The reduction in the demanded amount suggested the kidnappers’ urgency. Faced with the gravity of the situation, Mahesh approached the Vakola police station to report the incident.
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Swift Police Action and Rescue Operation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 8), Manish Kalwania, stated that upon receiving the complaint, six dedicated teams were formed to investigate the case. Utilizing technical surveillance and intelligence gathering, the primary suspect, Radheshyam Soni, was traced to the Kandivali area. Law enforcement officers apprehended Soni, who, during interrogation, disclosed the location where the victims were held captive.
Acting on this information, the police conducted a raid on a flat in Goregaon, successfully rescuing Keshavji and Arun Kumar. Two accomplices of Soni, identified as Satish Yadav (33) and Dharmendra Ravidas (40), were also arrested during the operation. All three suspects are residents of Mumbai’s western suburbs.
Profiles of the Accused
Investigations revealed that Soni, a 30-year-old salesman dealing in ayurvedic products, was familiar with Keshavji’s business activities and financial engagements in the Kandivali region. This familiarity enabled him to orchestrate the kidnapping plot, aiming for a substantial ransom. Satish Yadav, one of Soni’s accomplices, worked as an insurance agent, while the other accomplice, Dharmendra Ravidas, was employed as a security guard. Their diverse professional backgrounds suggest a collaboration driven by financial motives.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including kidnapping for ransom, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful confinement. These offenses carry severe penalties under the Indian Penal Code. The police are also investigating whether the trio has been involved in similar crimes previously or if this was an isolated incident.
Emphasis on Vigilance and Caution
This incident underscores the importance of exercising caution in business dealings, especially when approached with offers that seem too advantageous. Authorities advise individuals to verify the credentials of potential business partners thoroughly and to avoid engaging in transactions with unfamiliar parties without proper due diligence.
The prompt response and effective coordination among the police teams not only ensured the safe return of the victims but also led to the apprehension of the culprits, reinforcing public trust in law enforcement agencies.
