Pune Security Guard Arrested for Staging Own Kidnapping to Extort ₹2 Lakh from Family

Pune police arrested a 21-year-old security guard for faking his own kidnapping and demanding ₹2 lakh ransom from his family. Investigation revealed a planned extortion attempt.

Pune | 25 February 2026: In a shocking case of deception and financial extortion, Pune Police have arrested a 21-year-old security guard for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and demanding ₹2 lakh ransom from his family. The accused, identified as Manishkumar Jamnaprasad Dwivedi, was working as a private security guard in the Baner area of Pune when he executed the fake kidnapping plot to extract money from his relatives.

According to police officials, the incident began on February 9, when the accused informed his family that he would soon return to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh. Soon after sharing this information, his mobile phone was switched off, which raised concern among his family members. The following day, his father and brother received a WhatsApp message from his number claiming that he had been kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding ₹2 lakh for his safe release. The message included threats and warned the family not to inform police, creating panic and emotional distress among relatives.

Fearing for his life, the family immediately traveled to Pune and filed a complaint at Baner Police Station on February 11. Taking the complaint seriously, Pune Police launched a detailed investigation and formed a special team to trace the alleged kidnapping. Officers began examining CCTV footage, analyzing mobile phone data, and tracking his movements using technical surveillance methods.

During the investigation, police discovered inconsistencies in the kidnapping story. CCTV footage revealed that the accused was moving freely across different areas of Pune and was not under any form of captivity. He was seen traveling in auto-rickshaws and visiting acquaintances, which raised strong suspicion. Further investigation revealed that he had traveled to Ahmedabad and later returned to his hometown in Prayagraj in an attempt to mislead investigators and avoid detection.

Police teams tracked his location and eventually detained him in Uttar Pradesh. He was brought back to Pune for questioning on February 23. During interrogation, the accused confessed to staging the kidnapping himself. He admitted that he sent threatening WhatsApp messages to his family to emotionally manipulate them and extort money. Investigators also confirmed that his family had already transferred ₹10,000 as ransom, believing he was in genuine danger.

Police officials stated that the accused deliberately planned the fake kidnapping to obtain money, exploiting his family’s trust and concern. A case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to cheating, extortion, and providing false information to mislead authorities.

Authorities highlighted that digital communication platforms such as WhatsApp are increasingly being misused for fraud and extortion. However, advanced investigation techniques, including CCTV analysis, call detail records, and digital tracking, played a crucial role in exposing the truth.

Senior police officials emphasized that prompt reporting and systematic investigation helped solve the case quickly and prevented further financial loss. They also urged citizens to remain cautious and immediately inform police if they receive ransom messages or suspicious threats rather than reacting emotionally.

This incident underscores the growing misuse of technology in financial fraud and the importance of digital vigilance. It also highlights the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in uncovering criminal deception. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against individuals involved in fraud and extortion to maintain public trust and safety.

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