Two booked in Navi Mumbai for alleged kidnapping of man for ransom

Two people in Navi Mumbai have been suspected of kidnapping a 45-year-old man and holding him ransom; as a result, the Vashi police filed a case on Sunday.

Both Santosh Rohidas Rathod, popularly known as Bablu, and Charan Rathod, who live in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, are accused of kidnapping someone for ransom under section 364A of the Indian Penal Code, reported PTI.

According to the report, on Saturday night, the victim, Sachin Rathod, had gone out with two friends to meet his friend Santosh. His wife got a call from Sachin the next morning, requesting a Rs 5 crore ransom. The demand was raised to Rs 10 crore in response to further calls.

“The victim, Sachin Rathod, left his house on Saturday night to meet his friend Santosh and was accompanied by two others. On Sunday morning, his wife received a call during which Sachin asked her to make arrangements to pay Rs 5 crore,” said an official. 

Sachin`s wife filed a complaint with the police after becoming concerned. The victim is presently being sought after by the police, who are also looking into the accused`s possible role in his abduction, the report added.

There are still efforts on to find the victim`s whereabouts and arrest the accused.

Proxy candidate appears for NEET exam in Navi Mumbai

In another incident, a 20-year-old student from Rajasthan is under investigation for allegedly arranging a proxy candidate to take her place in the NEET medical entrance exam held in Navi Mumbai. The fraud was uncovered at an examination centre in CBD Belapur during the NEET exam on Sunday.

Police have initiated a case against the student from Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, based on a complaint filed by an official at the examination centre. The case has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections 419 for cheating by personation and 34 for acts done in furtherance of a common intention, along with other relevant provisions.

The investigation into the incident is currently underway.