Pune Metro Contractor Kidnapped on Site Visit Pretext, ₹50 Lakh Ransom Demand; Five Arrested

Metro contractor kidnapped in Pune after being lured for site visit; ₹50 lakh ransom demanded, five accused arrested by police.

April 16, 2026 | Pune: In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about safety in Pune’s construction sector, a metro project contractor was allegedly kidnapped after being lured under the pretext of a site visit, with the accused demanding a ransom of ₹50 lakh. Swift action by the police led to the arrest of five individuals and the safe rescue of the victim.

According to police officials, the 40-year-old contractor, originally from Kanpur and currently residing in Gahunje, was called to the Kharadi area by one of the accused, who was known to him through prior business dealings. The accused, a stone crusher operator, had earlier supplied construction material to the contractor, and both were in contact over work-related matters.

Using this familiarity, the accused allegedly invited the contractor on the pretext of showing him land for a new stone crusher setup. Trusting the offer, the contractor reached near Kharadi IT Park around noon. However, what seemed like a routine business meeting quickly turned into a planned abduction.

Police investigations reveal that once the contractor arrived, he was forcibly taken to another location, where he was confined, assaulted, and threatened. The accused demanded ₹50 lakh as ransom and warned him of serious consequences if the money was not paid. They also contacted the victim’s family, pressuring them to arrange the amount for his safe release.

The motive behind the crime appears to be a financial dispute. Officials suspect that the prime accused abducted the contractor to recover pending dues related to construction material supplied earlier.

As soon as the victim’s family alerted the police, teams swung into action. A coordinated effort by the Kharadi police and crime branch led to the tracking of the accused. After a brief chase and strategic deployment, all five accused were apprehended, and the contractor was rescued safely within hours of the incident.

The arrested individuals have been identified as residents of Lonikand and nearby areas, all linked to the stone crusher business. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to determine whether more people were involved or if similar incidents have occurred in the past.

This incident highlights a disturbing trend where business disputes are escalating into serious criminal acts like kidnapping and extortion. Pune Police have reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against such crimes and ensuring safety for professionals working in infrastructure and construction sectors.

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