UP Man Stages Own Kidnapping In Pune, Sends Crying Videos To Demand Rs 5 Lakh

A 19-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh allegedly staged his own kidnapping in Pune and sent his family a video of himself crying to make the story appear genuine. He reportedly demanded a ransom of Rs 5 lakh, claiming that kidnappers were holding him and would release him only after the money was paid. The alleged plan was uncovered after police traced his mobile phone to a lodge in Pune, where officers found him safe.

The accused has been identified as Om Prakash Gaurishankar, a resident of Banda district in Uttar Pradesh. According to police, Om Prakash had moved to Pune some time ago but did not have a permanent job and was facing financial difficulties. Investigators said he had repeatedly asked his family for money, and when his financial problems continued, he allegedly decided to stage the kidnapping in an attempt to obtain a larger amount.

Police said Om Prakash contacted his family in Uttar Pradesh and claimed that he had been kidnapped in Pune. To strengthen his story, he allegedly recorded a video showing himself crying and sent it to his relatives. He then told them that the alleged kidnappers were demanding Rs 5 lakh for his release. Alarmed by the video and ransom demand, his family approached Uttar Pradesh Police and reported the suspected kidnapping.

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Uttar Pradesh Police subsequently alerted Pune Police about the complaint and provided details, including the mobile number associated with the alleged kidnapping. Pune Police launched an operation to locate the teenager, with officers from different police stations and senior officials on night patrol joining the search. Investigators tracked the mobile phone and traced its location to the Khadki area of Pune.

Police then conducted a search at Crown Plaza Lodging in Khadki based on the location information. When officers entered the room, they reportedly found no kidnappers and instead discovered Om Prakash sitting safely inside. During questioning, he allegedly admitted that no kidnapping had taken place and that he had fabricated the entire incident to obtain Rs 5 lakh from his elder brother.

According to police, the teenager had deliberately created the crying video to make the false kidnapping claim convincing and trigger an urgent response from his family. Police have taken him into custody and further legal action is underway. The investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged deception and the applicable offences.

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