Pune Stone Crusher Owner and Accomplices Arrested for Abducting Contractor in Rs 50 Lakh Extortion Case
In a shocking incident in Pune, a 39-year-old stone crusher owner and his four accomplices were arrested for abducting a civil contractor on Tuesday afternoon. The abduction was allegedly carried out to recover a pending bill for crushed stones supplied to the contractor's firm, with the accused demanding a ransom of Rs 50 lakh from the victim's father for his safe release.
Police Swift Action Leads to Rescue and Arrests
A Kharadi police team, under the leadership of senior police inspector Sanjay Chavan, acted promptly after being alerted by the victim's father. The team successfully rescued the 40-year-old contractor, a resident of Gahunje originally from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Following the rescue, the police arrested five individuals: Sagar Zurunge (39), Vijay Valunj (38), Raju Sahane (32), Rupesh Gawade (38), all hailing from Lonikand, and Prakash Raut (38) of Tulapur.
The accused were produced before the court on Wednesday and remanded to police custody until April 17, as confirmed by assistant police inspector Ravindra Godse, who is investigating the case.
Background of the Business Dispute
According to API Godse, the complainant, who operates a construction firm handling Metro civil contracts, had established contact with crushed stone supplier Sagar Zurunge in August last year. Zurunge supplied materials on a 45-day credit basis, and the complainant asserted that he regularly cleared the dues without any delays.
However, the situation escalated on Monday when Zurunge called the contractor, claiming he wanted to discuss civil construction-related work and instructed him to come to Kharadi on Tuesday. The contractor complied, arriving around 12 pm, only to be forcibly taken to Zurunge's stone crusher unit by the accused.
Details of the Abduction and Threats
At the stone crusher site, Zurunge and his accomplices threatened the contractor, demanding Rs 50 lakh. They switched off his two mobile phones, slapped him, and forced him into an SUV, declaring that he would not be released until the payment was made. The accused then contacted the contractor's father, warning him to pay Rs 50 lakh if he wanted his son to remain safe.
During the ordeal, the accused beat the contractor again inside the SUV and transferred him to another vehicle as they headed towards Lonikand. Fortunately, the police team tracked their movements and intercepted them, rescuing the contractor before any further harm could occur.
Ongoing Investigations and Motive
API Godse stated that prima facie, the abduction appears to have been motivated by the accused's desire to recover their money from the pending bill. The police are continuing their investigations to uncover all aspects of the case, including any potential financial disputes or additional criminal activities involved.
This incident highlights the severe consequences of business disputes turning violent and underscores the importance of legal recourse in such matters. The swift police response has been commended, ensuring the safety of the victim and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
