Patna police have arrested five individuals, including a mother, for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a young boy in a plot to extort money from his father. The crime, which occurred in the Danapur police station area, has raised alarms about the increasing complexity of kidnapping schemes and the involvement of family members in such crimes.
Details of the Crime
The incident began when the father of the 10-year-old boy approached the police on Saturday, reporting his son’s sudden disappearance. He claimed that his son had been abducted, and the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of Rs 21 lakh for his release. In response to the distress call, the Patna police quickly sprang into action, forming a special investigation team (SIT). The team was headed by the Assistant Superintendent of Police for Danapur, and within six hours of the complaint being lodged, the boy was rescued, and the perpetrators were taken into custody.
A Family’s Dark Plot
According to Bhanu Pratap Singh, the Superintendent of Police for Patna West, the abduction was not the work of strangers but rather a well-coordinated plot orchestrated by the boy’s mother, Anju Devi. She is believed to have conspired with several family members, as well as a neighbour, to abduct her own son in an effort to extort money from her husband. The arrested individuals included Anju Devi herself, her brother Pankaj Kumar, her maternal uncle Ravins Kumar, her aunt Sanju Devi, and Anil Kumar, a neighbour. The police investigation revealed that the group had been in contact with the father, using his son as leverage to demand the ransom.
The Role of the Neighbour
The involvement of Anil Kumar, the neighbour, is particularly concerning. While family members can sometimes be involved in criminal activity, the participation of an outsider highlights how such criminal schemes can extend beyond the immediate family. The authorities were able to trace the mobile phone used by the accused to negotiate the ransom, which led to crucial evidence linking the perpetrators to the crime.
Swift Police Action
In a remarkable display of coordination, the Patna police acted swiftly to ensure the safe recovery of the child. The investigation team, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Danapur 1, was able to gather information quickly and locate the child. The team’s efficiency resulted in the boy’s safe return to his family, and the arrested individuals are currently in police custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
Family Ties and Criminal Behavior
The case has sparked concerns about the role that family members can play in such crimes. While kidnapping for ransom is not uncommon, the involvement of close relatives in the plot adds an unnerving layer to the crime. The incident has raised questions about the breakdown of trust within families and the lengths to which some individuals will go for financial gain. The police are now focusing on understanding the dynamics within the family and the reasons behind Anju Devi’s drastic decision to conspire with her relatives and neighbour.
A Growing Trend in Patna
This case also highlights a worrying trend of increasingly sophisticated kidnapping and ransom schemes in Patna. While such incidents have been reported in various parts of India, Patna has seen a rise in cases where criminal activity involves not just external threats but also internal, familial betrayal. The police and authorities are now working to raise awareness of these types of crimes and to implement stronger measures to combat them.
The rising frequency of such cases is a reminder of the growing criminal networks that operate not only outside but also within the family unit. Law enforcement agencies are focusing on improving the speed and effectiveness of their responses to prevent such incidents from escalating and to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.
The kidnapping case in Patna underscores the complexity of modern criminal schemes and the increasing involvement of families in such activities. The quick response from the police and the safe recovery of the child is a testament to the effectiveness of Patna’s law enforcement. However, the case also serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by family members who may exploit their position for personal gain.
As investigations continue, the authorities are closely examining the motives behind this crime, and the arrests made so far reflect the serious nature of the conspiracy. With such cases on the rise, it is imperative for law enforcement to stay vigilant and continue their efforts to protect the public from the growing threat of organized crime, both outside and within the family.
