Kanpur Police Free Family After Month-Long Hostage Crisis in Land Dispute
In a dramatic rescue operation, police in Kanpur saved a couple and their 1.5-year-old daughter who were allegedly held hostage for nearly a month in a flat located in the Kalyanpur area. The incident stemmed from a contentious land dispute valued at approximately Rs 2 crore, highlighting severe criminal tactics in property conflicts.
Hostage Situation Unfolds Over Property Sale
The victims, identified as Om Gupta from Shahjahanpur and his wife Divya Gupta from Unnao district, became embroiled in the dispute after Divya inherited land worth Rs 2 crore following her parents' death. Approximately 1.5 years ago, a businessman acquaintance introduced Divya to a property dealer from Kalyanpur to facilitate the sale of the land.
According to police reports, the property dealer executed a sale agreement by paying an advance of Rs 1 lakh, but no further payments were made. On February 5, the couple was lured to Vijay Nagar in Kanpur under the pretext of discussing land-related matters. Divya alleged that the property dealer and his associates arrived in five cars, forcibly took them hostage, and transported them to a hotel in a deserted part of the city.
Escalating Threats and Captivity
During their captivity, the victims were pressured to execute a sale deed after mutation of the land. They faced death threats if they refused to comply. The accused later rented a flat in Kalyanpur and confined the couple and their young daughter inside, locking them in for nearly a month under dire conditions.
In a desperate bid for freedom, Om Gupta managed to send a Facebook message to his mother using the hotspot from the accused's mobile phone, revealing their plight. This digital plea for help became the turning point in the case.
Police Intervention and Rescue
The family, upon receiving the message, sought assistance from an acquaintance named Rishi, who resides in Kanpur. Acting on Rishi's information, police responded promptly to a tip-off via emergency service 112. Officers arrived at the scene, forced open the flat's lock, and successfully rescued all three hostages.
Assistant Commissioner of Police for Kalyanpur, Ashutosh Kumar, stated, "Kalyanpur police station received information through 112 that a couple were being held hostage. Police reached the spot on receiving the information and brought them safely to the police station. In the preliminary investigation, a dispute related to a land agreement/transaction came to light."
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
After being brought to the police station, the victims filed a written complaint alleging serious charges against the property dealer, the businessman, and about half a dozen of their associates. The complaint details the abduction, threats, and illegal confinement, prompting a thorough investigation.
Authorities have confirmed that legal action is being taken as per rules, with the case under active scrutiny to ensure justice for the traumatized family. This incident underscores the risks associated with high-value property transactions and the critical role of digital communication in emergency situations.
