In a shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, renowned actor Mushtaq Khan, famous for his roles in films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Welcome, and Stree 2, was kidnapped, tortured for hours, and forced to pay a ransom. The incident unfolded on November 20, 2024, and left Khan physically and emotionally shaken. The actor, who was invited to attend an event in Meerut, became the victim of a premeditated kidnapping plot. This disturbing case has raised questions about the growing trend of high-profile abductions for ransom, especially in the entertainment industry.
The Incident: How Mushtaq Khan Was Lured Into the Trap
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The Invitation: On November 15, 2024, Khan received a call from a man named Rahul Saini, who invited him to an event in Meerut, where several individuals would be felicitated. Khan, accustomed to attending such events, did not find anything suspicious about the invitation. Saini also promised to pay him for his appearance, transferring an initial ₹25,000 through UPI and assuring him that the remaining balance would be paid later.
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Travel Arrangements and the Beginning of the Ordeal: Saini proceeded to send Khan an air ticket from Mumbai to Delhi for November 20. Upon arriving at the Delhi airport, Khan was picked up by a cab arranged by Saini. However, the situation quickly turned sinister when the actor was transferred to another vehicle with two additional men. Despite feeling uneasy, Khan was compliant, thinking it was part of the travel arrangements.
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Kidnapping and Torture: As the vehicle journeyed further, Khan began to sense that something was amiss. When the car made an unexpected stop, the actor was asked to get into another vehicle. He was now accompanied by four men in total. Despite his protests, Khan was forcibly covered with a sheet and told to keep his head down. The car drove on for several hours before reaching a house in the Chahsheeri locality of Bijnor, about 3–4 hours from the point of transfer. Upon arrival, Khan was held captive and tortured by the kidnappers, who demanded money from him. The kidnappers also forced him to contact his family and request them to transfer money into their account. In the midst of this ordeal, Khan’s phone was confiscated, and the kidnappers successfully managed to transfer ₹2 lakh into their own account.
The Escape: How Khan Managed to Break Free
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Torture and Desperation: The kidnappers, after extracting the ransom, began drinking, leaving Khan vulnerable. The next morning, Khan realized that the kidnappers were in a state of unconsciousness. Taking this opportunity, the actor managed to escape, leaving the house in the early hours.
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Seeking Help: Khan’s escape led him to a nearby mosque, where the cleric helped him contact his family. The actor, who was in a physically weakened state, was later assisted in filing a police complaint. His manager, Shivam Yadav, filed the complaint at the Bijnor Kotwali police station, prompting a formal investigation.
The Legal Action: Investigation and Police Response
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FIR and Investigation: The Bijnor Police registered a case under Section 364A (kidnapping for ransom) of the Indian Penal Code. Investigators have formed multiple teams to track down the kidnappers and recover the vehicle used in the crime. Police also discovered that the kidnappers made several purchases and withdrew cash using Khan’s phone in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, which has further complicated the case.
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The Complaint and Demand for Justice: Khan, through his complaint, has demanded strict action against the individuals involved in the abduction. Despite being physically unwell due to the trauma, Khan’s determination for justice remains unwavering. The investigation is still ongoing, with no arrests made yet.
The Connection: A Possible Link to Comedian Sunil Pal’s Kidnapping
Mushtaq Khan's abduction comes at a time when police are investigating a similar case involving comedian Sunil Pal. In Pal’s case, the comedian was abducted while en route to Uttarakhand for a show. The kidnappers demanded ₹20 lakh in ransom, but Pal was eventually released after paying ₹8 lakh, which he had raised from his friends.
Both kidnappings were linked to Meerut, as Pal was also abandoned on the side of a road in the city before being released. This has raised suspicions among investigators about a possible connection between the two incidents. Authorities are exploring any links between the two kidnappings, especially as both cases seem to involve high-profile personalities from the entertainment industry being targeted by the same group or syndicate.
The kidnappings of Mushtaq Khan and Sunil Pal highlight a growing trend of high-profile abductions targeting celebrities in India. These incidents are a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that public figures face, even in seemingly routine situations such as attending events. The police investigation is still underway, and authorities are working to ensure that such crimes are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.
Given the frequency of such incidents, there is an urgent need for improved security protocols for public figures, particularly those in the entertainment industry. As more details of the investigation emerge, it is expected that law enforcement agencies will intensify their efforts to uncover the truth behind these abductions and bring the perpetrators to justice.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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