Gorakhpur – A shocking incident has rocked Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, where a retired Air Force employee was kidnapped early Friday morning, and the kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom of one crore rupees from his wife, a local doctor. The dramatic event unfolded in the Shahpur area of the city, but swift police action led to the victim’s safe recovery within 12 hours. Here’s what we know so far about this gripping case, with updates as the story develops.
The Kidnapping
The victim, Ashok Jaiswal, a retired Air Force personnel living in Padri Bazaar, Shahpur, was abducted around 6 a.m. on Friday. According to police reports, a group of armed men in a car approached Jaiswal while he was out in the morning. They forced him into the vehicle and sped away before anyone could react. The kidnappers wasted no time, contacting Jaiswal’s wife, a well-known doctor in the area, via a phone call. Their chilling demand: one crore rupees for her husband’s safe return. “If you want to see your husband alive, send the money,” they reportedly told her.
The doctor, shaken but quick to act, immediately informed the Gorakhpur police. Her courage and prompt reporting set the stage for a rapid response that would ultimately save her husband’s life.
Police Swing into Action
The Gorakhpur police, led by Superintendent of Police (City) Abhinav Tyagi, launched a massive operation to rescue Jaiswal. Using a combination of local intelligence, mobile tracking, and CCTV footage from the area, they traced the kidnappers’ movements. The police set up checkpoints across the city and nearby areas, blocking key exit points to prevent the culprits from escaping with the victim.
“We received the complaint early in the morning and acted immediately,” said Tyagi. “Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure the safe recovery of the victim and to bring the criminals to justice.”
By late Friday evening, just 12 hours after the kidnapping, the police located Jaiswal in a remote area on the outskirts of Gorakhpur. He was found unharmed but visibly shaken. In an emotional reunion, Jaiswal broke down in tears as he embraced his wife, grateful to be back home.
Arrests Made, Investigation Ongoing
In a major breakthrough, the police arrested three suspects believed to be involved in the kidnapping. The identities of the accused have not been fully disclosed, but sources suggest they are local men with prior criminal records. The police recovered the car used in the crime and seized several items, including mobile phones and SIM cards used to make the ransom call.
Authorities suspect the kidnappers targeted Jaiswal because of his wife’s profession, assuming the family could afford the exorbitant ransom. “The accused thought they could extort a large sum due to the victim’s connection to a doctor,” a police official said on condition of anonymity. “But their plan fell apart due to our swift response.”
The investigation is still underway to determine if more individuals were involved. The police are also looking into whether the kidnappers had been tracking Jaiswal for days before the abduction. “We’re leaving no stone unturned,” Tyagi added. “Our goal is to ensure all culprits are brought to justice and to prevent such incidents in the future.”
A Call for Vigilance
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened security in Gorakhpur and other cities. While the police response was commendable, questions remain about how such a bold crime could be planned in a city known for its strict law enforcement. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
For now, the focus remains on Jaiswal’s recovery and the ongoing investigation. The city is breathing a sigh of relief, but the incident has left a lasting impact. As one resident put it, “We’re just glad he’s safe, but this is a wake-up call for all of us.”
