Lured for kidnapping with Sydney job offer, two Kashmiri youths rescued in Kolkata; five held

Two youths from Jammu and Kashmir who were allegedly lured with the promise of jobs in Sydney were rescued from a hotel in Kolkata after police busted an interstate kidnapping racket. Five accused, all residents of Panipat in Haryana, were arrested in connection with the case. The rescue operation was carried out in the Pragati Maidan police station area of East Kolkata following coordinated action by the Jammu and Kashmir Police with assistance from Kolkata Police.

Police said the accused had contacted the two youths through social media and promised them employment opportunities in Sydney, Australia. After gaining their trust, the youths were asked to travel to Kolkata. Once they arrived, they were allegedly held captive inside a hotel for around six days. During this time, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victims’ families through video calls and demanded a ransom of Rs 30 lakh for their release. Following the ransom demand, the families lodged a complaint with the police in Jammu and Kashmir. Investigators traced the suspects using mobile phone information and coordinated with Kolkata Police to conduct a raid at the hotel where the youths were being held. The two victims were found with their hands and feet tied and were immediately rescued during the operation.

The accused were identified as Sushil, Prashant, Praveen Kumar, Bansham Muzhal and Mohammad Samir Ansari. Police said the five suspects attempted to flee after sensing the raid but were arrested before they could escape. Investigators also suspect that the group may have been involved in similar kidnapping cases in other states. After the rescue, both the arrested accused and the two youths were taken to Jammu and Kashmir for further investigation.