Renowned Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his roles in Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke and Welcome, endured a terrifying ordeal after being kidnapped and tortured in Meerut. The actor managed to escape after being held captive for hours and forced to pay Rs 2 lakh.
The incident, which occurred on November 20, has left Bollywood and fans shocked. The Meerut police have registered an FIR and are probing whether this case is connected to the recent abduction of comedian Sunil Pal in the same city.
The Harrowing Ordeal
Mushtaq Khan received a call on November 15 from a man identified as Rahul Saini, inviting him to an event in Meerut. Saini promised an appearance fee, transferring Rs 25,000 upfront and arranging for Khan’s travel.
Upon landing in Delhi on November 20, Khan got into a cab sent by Saini, which later switched vehicles. Sensing danger, the actor protested but was overpowered. He was blindfolded with a sheet and driven for hours to a remote house.
At the location, Khan was tortured and coerced to call his family for ransom. The kidnappers seized his phone and transferred Rs 2 lakh into their account. The situation turned in Khan’s favor when the captors, under the influence of alcohol, passed out early the next morning. The actor managed to escape and sought refuge at a nearby mosque, where a cleric helped him contact his family.
Police Investigation
The actor’s manager filed a complaint on his behalf, citing Khan’s poor health post-incident. The FIR demands stringent action against the perpetrators.
ALSO READ: ‘Justice is due’: Bengaluru techie’s suicide over failed marriage sparks debate
Meerut police are investigating whether there is a link between Khan’s kidnapping and the recent abduction of comedian Sunil Pal. Pal, who was kidnapped on his way back from an event in Uttarakhand, had a similar harrowing experience.
Pal’s abductors demanded Rs 20 lakh but released him after he managed to pay Rs 8 lakh with help from friends. He filed a complaint with Mumbai Police after returning home. His wife had also lodged a missing person report during his disappearance.
Possible Connection Between Cases
Both incidents involve Bollywood personalities, ransom demands, and Meerut as a common location, leading investigators to suspect a connection.
“Pal claimed he was released by the side of a road in Meerut before he reached Delhi airport to return to Mumbai,” a Mumbai Police official stated. The police are exploring whether the same gang orchestrated both abductions or if separate groups are involved.
The kidnappings of Mushtaq Khan and Sunil Pal highlight the growing risks faced by public figures during travel. Fans and colleagues have expressed concerns, urging the authorities to enhance safety measures and crack down on organized crime in the region.
Meerut police have intensified their investigation to apprehend the culprits and uncover any broader network of abductions targeting celebrities.
