Udaipur, January 6 – A shocking incident reminiscent of a crime thriller unfolded in Salumber district when a young man was kidnapped in broad daylight. The abductors demanded a ransom of ₹24 lakh for his release. However, in a swift and coordinated operation, Salumber police rescued the victim, sparking widespread discussion and concern in the area.
Ransom Demand Shocks Victim’s Family
The incident came to light when Sajna Devi, a resident of Salumber, lodged a complaint at the local police station, reporting that her husband, Manohar Garg, had been abducted. Garg, an employee of S.K. Finance Company, had left his home in Devgaon on the morning of January 4 for his office. However, by 4 PM, an anonymous caller informed Sajna Devi that her husband had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom of ₹24 lakh, threatening dire consequences if the family failed to arrange the money.
Despite the terrifying situation, Sajna Devi pleaded with the abductors to let her speak to her husband, explaining that they were unable to gather such a large sum. The kidnappers then instructed her to meet them at Rajwadi Hotel in Devgaon at midnight, where they reiterated their demand for the ransom. When negotiations failed, the abductors left, but later called the victim’s son, Jigresh Garg, giving him an ultimatum to arrange the ransom by 1 AM.
Police Launches Swift Operation, Rescues Victim
Upon receiving the complaint, the Salumber police swung into action. With meticulous investigation, they tracked down the abductors’ hideout. Acting swiftly, the police managed to free Manohar Garg from their clutches. Speaking to the media after his rescue, Garg revealed that the prime suspect, Lala Patel, and his accomplices had abducted him over a financial dispute. He was taken to Udaipur and confined in a flat until the police intervention forced the kidnappers to flee and abandon their victim back in Salumber.
Prime Accused Linked to Cyber Fraud Cases
Sources indicate that the main accused, Lala Patel, is a habitual offender with a history of involvement in cyber fraud. He has been previously booked in Jhallaara police station for cybercrime activities. Patel allegedly operated a fraudulent scheme through the Lokento app, where fake advertisements featuring women’s photos were posted to lure victims into transferring money online. Once the payments were made, the accused would vanish, leaving the victims too embarrassed to report the scam.
Patel’s financial background reportedly transformed drastically in the last five years. From modest beginnings, he amassed crores of rupees through cyber fraud and now ranks among the wealthiest individuals in his village.
Police Investigation Underway
Salumber Police Station Officer Manish Khoiwal confirmed that a case has been registered against Lala Patel and his accomplices based on Sajna Devi’s complaint. “The investigation is ongoing, and further details will emerge once the suspects are taken into custody,” Khoiwal stated. He assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure justice is served and that such criminal activities are curbed.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
