Pune police have launched an investigation into a kidnapping case after former Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant reported that his son, Rishiraj Sawant, was allegedly taken against his will on a flight to Bangkok. The incident unfolded on Monday evening when the Shiv Sena leader informed the police that two individuals had forcibly made his 32-year-old son board a flight from Pune airport to Thailand.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that a kidnapping complaint was filed by Tanaji Sawant, stating, “We have received a report that Rishiraj Sawant was forcibly taken by two people on a flight to Bangkok. We have coordinated with the DGCA and are working on diverting the flight back to Indian airspace.”
An anonymous call alerting the police around 4 p.m. on Monday claimed that Rishiraj Sawant had been abducted. Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma noted that the authorities quickly registered the case at Sinhgad Road police station and handed it over to the crime branch for further investigation.
Later, Tanaji Sawant clarified the situation, telling officials that his son was not kidnapped. He stated, “My son is with his friends, but we became concerned as he left for the airport without informing me or his elder brother.” The former minister further explained that he had contacted the police after learning that Rishiraj had left in someone else’s car without notifying his family.
In an update from Pune police, Commissioner Kumar confirmed that the plane carrying Rishiraj Sawant had returned to Pune airport. Aviation sources revealed that the flight was redirected back to its departure point following the intervention of authorities.
The investigation continues as police work to resolve the confusion and determine the exact circumstances surrounding Rishiraj Sawant’s movements.
