Patna Police have arrested 11 individuals in connection with the abduction and murder of Pune-based businessman Laxman Sadhu Shinde, who went missing after arriving in Patna on April 11. The investigation uncovered a criminal gang involved in at least six other similar incidents between January 25 and March 27 this year.
Senior Superintendent of Police Awakash Kumar confirmed that seven suspects were apprehended late Tuesday night, while the remaining four were already in custody. The arrested include Ranjit Patel, Viptara Kumar, Lalbihari, Vikas alias Mohit, Kundan Kumar, Sangita Kumari, and Sachin Ranjan.
Initially considered a missing person case, the probe revealed an organized gang that lured businessmen via emails, WhatsApp, Facebook, and other online platforms with fake business deals. Upon arriving in Patna, victims were taken to isolated locations and extorted through forced money transfers. Relatives were also coerced into paying ransom.
A key breakthrough came when police tracked the crime vehicle to Jandaha block in Vaishali district, leading to multiple arrests across three districts. The gang confessed to additional extortion cases, where victims were released after ransom payments. Police are currently reaching out to earlier victims and expect to file further FIRs.
Laxman Shinde, 55, owner of a centrifugal casting bearing company in Pune, was found murdered in Jehanabad district on April 14. During the investigation, it was discovered that Rs 90,000 had been withdrawn from his ATM cards, and he was reportedly killed after refusing to disclose other bank account information. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The police continue to investigate and warn businessmen to be cautious of suspicious offers to avoid falling prey to such extortion rackets.
