Two Individuals Arrested for Abducting Property Broker and Extorting Rs 1.6 Lakh

Pune: The Sangvi police made a significant arrest on Wednesday, apprehending two individuals, including a transgender person, for the abduction and extortion of a property broker. The victim, who was forced to hand over Rs 1.6 lakh, was held against his will between September 8 and 9.

Senior Inspector Jitendra Koli of the Sangvi police stated, “We have charged the two under relevant sections pertaining to abduction, extortion, and robbery.” Another officer from the Sangvi police provided more details, explaining that the ordeal began on August 28 when one of the accused started contacting the broker under the pretext of investing in property. The man persistently pressured the broker to meet him at an undisclosed location, which the victim initially resisted.

However, the broker was eventually convinced to meet the man on September 8 at a location in Sangvi. Upon arriving, the accused forced the broker to visit his flat on the fourth floor of a building. Despite raising an alarm, no one from the building came to his aid. When they entered the flat, the officer revealed, a transgender person was already present.

The two accused then stripped the victim and took photographs of him. They also stole his cellphone and Rs 1,000. They threatened to share these photographs with his family members and to file a rape complaint against him. The transgender person demanded Rs 4 lakh from the victim to prevent the sharing of the photographs and the false accusation.

The duo also transferred Rs 1 lakh from the victim’s two bank accounts using his cellphone and secured a personal loan of Rs 60,000 in his name. To further intimidate the victim, they took him to a nearby police chowk, where he was unable to reveal the truth and was coerced into settling the matter. The accused then accompanied the victim to his flat to retrieve his debit cards, attempting to withdraw cash from various kiosks, but were unsuccessful.

The officer added that the accused released the victim in the early hours of September 9, threatening him to pay the remaining amount by the evening. The victim returned home and subsequently lodged a complaint with the police on September 9. The police are now investigating whether the transgender individual and their accomplice are involved in other similar crimes.

This incident highlights the increasing need for vigilance and safety measures in real estate transactions, particularly when dealing with unknown individuals. Property brokers and investors are advised to conduct thorough background checks and meet in secure, public locations to avoid falling victim to such crimes.