Gujarat Farmer Lured, Kidnapped, and Sextorted of Rs 1 Crore in Elaborate WhatsApp Scam
A shocking case of kidnapping and sextortion has emerged from Gujarat, where a 45-year-old farmer and land broker was allegedly lured through WhatsApp, abducted at gunpoint, and forced to pay a massive ransom of Rs 1 crore. The victim, Husenali Momin from Shantipura in Sanand taluka of Ahmedabad district, filed a detailed police complaint outlining a terrifying sequence of events that began with a simple "Hi" message on the popular messaging platform.
The WhatsApp Trap and the Fateful Meeting
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Momin was contacted approximately 20 days ago by an unknown woman identifying herself as "Anjali" from Surendranagar. Through persistent messaging and video calls, the woman claimed they were old acquaintances, gradually building rapport until she persuaded Momin to meet her in person on February 13, 2026.
Momin drove his SUV to a specified location in Surendranagar as directed by Anjali. Upon meeting her, she revealed her full name as Bhavna Chavda but insisted on being called Anjali. Inside the residence, she allegedly pressured Momin to remove his shirt, which he briefly did. She then forcibly embraced him, though Momin pushed her away. This seemingly innocent encounter quickly escalated into a nightmare scenario.
The Violent Kidnapping and Extortion Demands
Suddenly, three men stormed into the room, verbally abusing Momin and accusing him of visiting their village with improper intentions. They recorded a video of the woman hugging him, physically assaulted Momin, held him at gunpoint, confiscated his car keys and both mobile phones, and forced him into the back of his own vehicle.
The assailants, whom Momin identified as Arbaaz (who brandished a knife), Tausif (armed with a pistol), and Sahil, drove him to a remote location. They were followed by another car carrying a fourth accomplice named Ashif. It was at this isolated spot that the criminals revealed their true intentions.
The men allegedly threatened to kill Momin and frame him in a rape case by releasing the compromising video unless he paid an astronomical ransom of Rs 2 crore. Terrified for his life, Momin managed to negotiate the amount down to Rs 1 crore through desperate pleading.
The Elaborate Ransom Collection Operation
Under strict surveillance, Momin was forced to use his phone to contact his elder son, Idrish. He fabricated a story about an urgent land deal requiring the enormous sum of money. Approximately one hour later, following the gang's instructions, Momin directed his son to deliver the cash to a specific spot on the Viramgam-Malvan highway.
The exchange occurred near Rahmatpur village, where Momin collected a bag containing Rs 1 crore from his son and instructed him to depart immediately. He was then taken to another secluded area where he handed over the ransom money to the criminals while receiving stern warnings against revealing the truth to anyone.
Aftermath and Legal Action
After receiving the payment, the gang returned Momin's mobile phone and vehicle, issuing final threats against reporting the crime before fleeing in another car. Deeply traumatized by the ordeal, Momin confided in a friend two days later, who strongly encouraged him to report the incident to authorities.
On February 19, Momin filed a formal complaint with the Surendranagar City B Division police station. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 308(5), 115(2), 352, 351(3), and 61(2), along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act.
The police complaint specifically names five individuals: Anjali alias Bhavna Chavda, Tausif, Sahil, Ashif, and Arbaaz. This case highlights the sophisticated methods criminals are employing through digital platforms to target vulnerable individuals, combining psychological manipulation with physical violence for substantial financial gain.
