Surajpur, India — A shocking kidnapping case has emerged from Surajpur, where a 58-year-old woman was abducted and held for ransom by individuals allegedly led by her former driver. Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the crime, while a third accused remains at large.
Inside Job Turns Criminal
According to investigators, the main आरोपी, identified as Roshan Devangan, had previously worked as a driver for the victim for approximately 18 months. During that time, he became aware that the woman’s family had received retirement funds linked to the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a major coal mining company.
Motivated by financial gain, Devangan allegedly conspired with accomplices to plan the abduction, taking advantage of his familiarity with the household.
How the Crime Unfolded
The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the local Kotwali police station. On the day of the crime, the victim was alone at home, while her husband was away in Ambikapur for vehicle repairs.
Police said Devangan and his associates arrived at the house under the pretext of a visit. After a brief conversation—and reportedly asking for water—they forcibly abducted the woman.
₹2.2 Million Ransom Demand
Following the kidnapping, the accused demanded ₹22 lakh (approximately $26,000 USD) as ransom from the family. Shortly after making the demand, they switched off their mobile phones to evade tracking.
However, as police began their investigation and pressure mounted, the suspects panicked and abandoned the victim on a roadside. She was found injured and sought help from nearby residents, who assisted her in contacting her family.
Police Response and Arrests
The woman was quickly taken to a hospital for treatment. Recognizing the seriousness of the case, police formed three special teams to track down the suspects.
Authorities have since:
- Arrested two accused individuals
- Sent them to judicial custody
- Launched a manhunt for the third suspect, who remains absconding
Ongoing Investigation
Police are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the conspiracy and whether additional individuals were involved. Officials indicated that more arrests could follow as the probe progresses.
The case highlights growing concerns over trust-based crimes, where individuals with prior access to households exploit insider knowledge for criminal activities. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior promptly.
