Sitting in Bihar, gang lured businessmen from Gujarat, Bangalore, Rajasthan into their net. Till one abduction went too far
Bihar-Based Gang Tricks Businessmen Across India, But One Kidnapping Unravels Their Game
Patna/Ahmedabad: A criminal gang operating from Bihar shocked investigators with how far their web stretched. They fooled businessmen from Gujarat, Bangalore, and Rajasthan into believing they had real business deals. But their latest crime—a kidnapping that went too far—exposed the entire operation.
Fake Deals, Real Danger
The gang posed as business consultants and investors. They used fake websites, LinkedIn accounts, and WhatsApp numbers. Their targets were small and mid-level businessmen, mostly from India’s top commercial cities.
Once contact was made, they offered investment or export-import deals. They pushed for urgent face-to-face meetings. Victims were invited to Bihar, often to Patna or nearby towns.
From Business Talks to Hostage Crisis
Once the businessmen arrived, the situation changed drastically. The gang would abduct them, take their phones, and cut off all communication. They then called the victims’ families and demanded large ransoms.
One businessman from Bangalore was kept in a rented house for five days. His family sent ₹60 lakh after receiving threats. They were too scared to report the case immediately.
Ahmedabad Businessman’s Kidnapping Backfires on the Gang
Things changed when the gang targeted Pranav Shah, a well-known textile businessman from Ahmedabad. He had strong political ties and a powerful network. When he didn’t return from his trip to Patna, his staff and family raised an alarm.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Bihar Police worked together. Within three days, they tracked Shah’s last known location using mobile tower signals and local CCTV footage.
They found him locked inside a farmhouse in Gaya district. A joint raid rescued him safely and led to the arrest of seven gang members.
What the Police Discovered
Officers found laptops, unregistered SIM cards, fake IDs, and ₹25 lakh in cash. During questioning, the gang admitted to at least nine similar abductions in the last year. Victims came from Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, and Bengaluru.
Most cases went unreported. Businessmen were afraid their reputation would suffer. That silence gave the gang the confidence to continue.
The group used fake online identities and encrypted messaging apps. Some members even learned tricks from cybercrime forums on the dark web.
Tech-Savvy and Ruthless
The gang wasn’t made up of typical thugs. It included young, educated individuals with knowledge of digital tools. They used VPNs, fake email domains, and regularly switched devices to avoid detection.
One official said, “They weren’t just strong on the ground. Their digital knowledge made it hard to trace them.”
Wider Network Under Investigation
Police believe more people are involved, possibly from other states. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has joined the investigation to trace the money flow. Authorities suspect hawala routes or crypto wallets may have been used.
“This gang shows how criminal methods have evolved,” said a senior IPS officer. “We’re now seeing a blend of street crime and cyber expertise.”
Business Community Alarmed
The case has caused concern among entrepreneurs. Several trade bodies have started issuing safety guidelines. They urge members to verify any new business contact thoroughly.
Experts also stress the importance of sharing travel plans with family or colleagues, especially when dealing with unknown partners.
Cyber analyst Rohan Mehta advised, “If someone insists on a face-to-face meeting without proper credentials, avoid it. It’s better to lose a deal than risk your life.”
Conclusion
This case from Bihar shows how far criminals can go using digital platforms. It’s a wake-up call for the business community. One wrong step cost many victims their peace of mind, and nearly their lives.
Thanks to quick police action, the gang’s network has been broken. But the incident proves that high-tech crime isn’t just a metro city problem anymore.
