A woman was used as bait in the abduction of two Rohtas-based businessmen from Mughalsarai in Uttar Pradesh about two weeks ago, it has been revealed.
The businessmen, Gopal Kumar (28) and Dhananjay Singh (26), reached their home in Rohtas district's Dehri-on-Sone around 6am on Monday after being set free by their abductors at a deserted place near Mughalsarai.
The kidnappers had demanded Rs 1 crore as ransom for their safe release. The businessmen's relatives told the police that they had received ransom calls twice on their cellphones. Sources said the kidnappers had been paid some money, but not the entire amount.
Police said Gopal, a liquor trader from Dalmianagar, and his friend Dhananjay, a foodgrain dealer, were kidnapped when they had gone to meet a girl who Gopal met through a social networking site about six months ago.
Gopal told the police that he received a call on his cellphone from a girl who introduced herself as Priya, a resident of Varanasi.
"I was impressed with her sweet and melodious voice. She also expressed her desire to meet me," Gopal said.
Gopal had to attend a wedding ceremony in Varanasi on March 1, and he asked his friend Dhananjay to accompany him.
"Before reaching Varanasi, I contacted Priya on her phone. After 15 minutes, an SUV overtook my car near Chakia (UP)," Gopal recalled.
He told the police that the criminals in the SUV took the duo captive at gunpoint and travelled in his (Gopal's) vehicle for around 90 minutes. Later, both Gopal and Dhananjay were dumped in a house where five men kept round-the-clock surveillance on them.
"We remained in captivity for about two weeks," Gopal revealed in the presence of members of the special police team assigned to crack the case. "During the period, they behaved well and served food of our choice. At times, they used to talk harshly but never harmed us."
He added: "Around 3am (on Monday), they blindfolded both of us, brought us to a place adjacent to the national highway on a motorbike and set us free but warned us not to look back. They provided Rs 100 as fare to reach home. We hired an autorickshaw and reached Mughalsarai railway station from where we boarded a passenger train and reached Dehri."
Dehri sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Ashok Kumar said kidnappers are now finding it easier to trap their prey with the help of women.
"We had arrested a member of the gang, Gopal Yadav, who revealed the names of his associates," Ashok added.
The SDPO said police investigation has suggested the involvement of Anil Yadav, Vijay Yadav, Dhanuki Yadav, all residents of Chainpur in Kaimur district, and Mantu Yadav and Ranjan Yadav, residents of Ghazipur in UP.
The police had earlier carried out raids at Varanasi, Allahabad, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, and Mau in UP besides different places in Kaimur and Rohtas.
