Durg Kidnapping Case: Nephew Masterminds ₹1 Crore Ransom Plot via Honeytrap

A 16-year-old boy was abducted in Chhattisgarh's Durg district after being lured through social media; police arrested five individuals including the victim’s cousin.

In a chilling case of betrayal and greed, the Durg Police have uncovered a sophisticated kidnapping plot where a 25-year-old man allegedly orchestrated the abduction of his own teenage cousin for a ransom of ₹1 crore. The incident, which unfolded in the Amleshwar area, saw the 16-year-old victim being lured into a honeytrap via Instagram before being whisked away in a getaway car.

The operation to rescue the minor involved a high-stakes chase across districts, concluding with the arrest of five suspects, including a woman. The Durg Kidnapping Case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the increasing use of social media platforms by criminals to target unsuspecting minors.

Honeytrap set via Instagram

Investigation revealed that the conspiracy was hatched by Sanjay Sahu, the victim’s cousin. Sahu, aware of his uncle's financial standing as a successful contractor, decided to extort money to settle personal debts or gain quick wealth. He enlisted the help of four accomplices, including 24-year-old Hempushpa Sahu.

Hempushpa reportedly befriended the minor on Instagram a week prior to the crime. After gaining his trust through consistent messaging, she invited him to meet at Tiranga Chowk in Amleshwar on April 12, 2026. Unaware of the trap, the boy reached the spot, where a grey Santro car was already waiting to intercept him.

Ransom call triggers panic

The situation escalated quickly when the victim’s father received a chilling phone call approximately 45 minutes after his son went missing. The kidnappers demanded a staggering ₹1 crore for the safe return of the boy, threatening to kill him if the demands were not met. In a subsequent call, the minor was heard pleading with his father for help.

The victim’s father immediately approached the Amleshwar Police Station. Recognizing the gravity of the latest news today regarding the abduction, senior police officials formed multiple teams, including the Anti-Crime and Cyber Liaison Unit (ACCU), to track the digital footprint of the kidnappers.

Multi-district police coordination

The breakthrough came when the Cyber Cell traced the ransom call to the Bhakhara area in the Dhamtari district. Durg Police immediately coordinated with their counterparts in Dhamtari to seal all exit points. A massive "nakabandi" (barricading) was initiated across major arterial roads to prevent the suspects from escaping further south.

Dramatic highway interception

The chase ended in the Arjuni police station jurisdiction. In a scene resembling a cinematic thriller, the police used a JCB machine to block the highway, forcing the suspects' grey Santro to a halt. Officers swarmed the vehicle, successfully rescuing the minor unharmed and taking three suspects into custody on the spot.

Mastermind’s identity revealed

During interrogation, the investigators were stunned to find that the victim's own cousin, Sanjay Sahu, was the primary architect of the crime. "The mastermind knew the family's routine and financial status. He used his friends and a female associate to execute the plan without coming into the direct line of suspicion initially," an official stated.

Arrests and seizures made

The five arrested individuals have been identified as Sanjay Sahu (25), Hempushpa Sahu (24), Shailendra Lahre (25), Ravindra Lahre (20), and Krishna Sahu (28). Police have seized the vehicle used in the crime and six mobile phones. All accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping and extortion.

Heightened vigil on social media

The Durg Kidnapping Case serves as a grim reminder for parents to monitor the digital interactions of minors. This Public Interest Story has prompted local authorities to issue fresh advisories regarding social media safety. As per recent India News Update reports, the accused are currently in judicial custody while further investigation into their past criminal records continues.