In a dramatic early morning operation, the 24-year-old son of a prominent Jamshedpur-based industrialist was successfully rescued from Barhi in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Tuesday. The rescue followed an intensive multi-state police investigation that spanned several days and involved coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
Kidnapping and Ransom Demand
Kairav Gandhi, son of industrialist Devang (Devan Chandra) Gandhi, was abducted on January 13 while traveling to his office in the Adityapur industrial area of the adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The incident sent shockwaves through Jamshedpur's business community and prompted immediate police action.
Two days after the kidnapping, the family received a chilling ₹5 crore ransom demand via WhatsApp from an anonymous international number. The kidnappers threatened to kill Kairav if their demands were not met within 48 hours, escalating the urgency of the investigation.
Multi-State Police Operation
Following the ransom call, authorities constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Jamshedpur City SP Kumar Sivashish. At least seven specialized teams were formed to probe different angles of the case, with simultaneous raids conducted at suspected hideouts across Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha.
The search operation involved police personnel from East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts, supported by forensic teams and a dedicated dog squad. Police had earlier recovered Kairav's car from near a resort at Kanderbeda in Chandil, under the Seraikela-Kharsawan district, on the night of the abduction.
Successful Rescue Operation
"He was safely rescued by the Jamshedpur Police and sent home around 4.30 am," confirmed Jamshedpur City SP Kumar Sivashish in a statement to news agency PTI. Police officials revealed that sustained raids and mounting pressure forced the abductors to abandon their victim while attempting to shift him to another location.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police teams were strategically deployed along likely transportation routes. "Under mounting police pressure, the perpetrators left Kairav on the Chauparan–Barhi road in Hazaribag and fled," an official police statement detailed, adding that a comprehensive manhunt has been launched to apprehend those involved in the kidnapping.
Community Response and Political Involvement
The abduction had caused significant anxiety among Jamshedpur's business community, with concerned traders organizing special prayers in Bistupur for the young man's safe return. The incident drew political attention as well, with Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy raising the matter with senior police officials and urging swift action to resolve the case.
Devang Gandhi, a respected Bistupur resident, serves as the vice-president of the Adityapur Small Industries Association (ASIA), adding to the case's prominence within local industrial circles. The successful rescue operation has brought relief to the family and the broader business community that had been closely following developments.
Police authorities have emphasized their commitment to pursuing all leads until every individual involved in the kidnapping is brought to justice. The case highlights the effectiveness of coordinated multi-state police operations in addressing serious criminal activities that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
