Actor Shakti Kapoor narrowly avoided being targeted in a kidnapping plot after a gang, which recently abducted actor Mushtaq Mohammad Khan, abandoned plans due to a failed financial agreement. The Bijnor Police stated that Kapoor had been offered ₹5 lakh to attend an event, but the gang dropped the plan when he demanded a higher advance payment.
The gang’s activities came to light after the abduction of actor Mushtaq Mohammad Khan on November 20. Khan, who was invited to an event in Meerut with a ₹25,000 advance and an air ticket, was abducted upon arrival at Delhi airport. He was taken to a shikanji shop between Delhi and Meerut, where he was forced into another vehicle. The kidnappers transported him to Bijnor and held him hostage at the residence of one of the suspects, Lavi alias Rahul Saini.
During his captivity, the kidnappers threatened Khan and obtained his bank account details and password. The next day, they withdrew ₹2.2 lakh through purchases made in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar. Khan managed to escape on the morning of November 21, after the kidnappers fell asleep following a night of alcohol consumption. He sought help at a mosque in Mohalla Chahshiri, where locals assisted him in contacting his family.
Police launched an investigation after Khan’s event manager, Shivam Yadav, filed a complaint on December 9. Four members of the gang—Sarthak Chaudhary, Sabiuddin, Azim, and Shashank—were arrested, and ₹1.04 lakh was recovered from their possession. Authorities are actively pursuing the gang leader, Lavi alias Rahul Saini, who remains at large.
In a related incident, a gang member named Arjun, involved in comedian Sunil Pal’s abduction, was injured during an encounter with police in Meerut. Arjun attempted to escape custody by snatching a sub-inspector’s firearm and firing at police officers. He was subdued and apprehended. Police recovered ₹2.25 lakh and an SUV used in Pal’s kidnapping.
The police revealed that the gang operated by targeting celebrities under the pretext of event invitations, using advance payments and air tickets to gain their trust. Efforts are ongoing to track down other gang members and investigate links to additional celebrity abduction cases.