Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan kidnapped, tortured in Meerut; Rs 2 lakh extorted
This incident comes shortly after comedian Sunil Pal reported being kidnapped in a similar manner | Meerut Police probing if there is a connection between two high-profile cases
PTC Web Desk: Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, best known for his performances in 'Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke' and 'Welcome', was allegedly kidnapped and tortured in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, on November 20. According to the police, the actor was held allegedly captive for hours and forced to transfer Rs 2 lakh to the kidnappers before managing to escape.
The ordeal began on November 15 when Mushtaq Khan received a call at his Mumbai home from one Rahul Saini. The caller invited him to an event in Meerut, assuring that it was a routine felicitation ceremony. Khan, who often attends such events, saw no reason to be alarmed. To build trust, Saini transferred Rs 25,000 as an advance fee and arranged an air ticket from Mumbai to Delhi.
On November 20, Khan landed in Delhi, where a cab arranged by Saini awaited him. The vehicle already had a driver and another passenger. Soon after, the cab stopped, and the actor was instructed to switch to another vehicle. Suspicious of the unfolding events, Khan voiced his concerns, but the kidnappers overpowered him, blindfolded him, and forced him to keep his head down.
After hours of travel, he was taken to an unidentified house where the kidnappers began torturing him. They demanded he call his family to arrange funds. Taking control of his phone, they managed to transfer Rs 2 lakh into their account. The ordeal continued until the kidnappers passed out early the next morning after consuming alcohol. Taking advantage of the situation, Khan escaped and sought refuge in a nearby mosque. A cleric there helped him contact his family.
Due to his weakened condition, Khan’s manager filed the police complaint on his behalf. The complaint not only recounts the kidnapping and torture but also demands stringent action against the culprits. Meerut Police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation.
Possible connection to Sunil Pal kidnapping
This incident comes shortly after comedian Sunil Pal reported being kidnapped in a similar manner. Pal had been travelling from Uttarakhand after an event when he was abducted near Meerut. According to Pal’s account, a man posing as a fan pushed him into a car during a halt. The kidnappers demanded Rs 20 lakh but released him after collecting Rs 8 lakh from his friends. Pal was eventually left on the roadside, from where he reached Delhi airport to fly back to Mumbai.
The Meerut Police are now investigating if there is a connection between the two high-profile cases. Both involve Bollywood personalities, similar ransom demands, and the use of Meerut as a key location. The police are working to identify the network behind these crimes.