Surajpur kidnapping case: Ex-driver planned abduction for ransom

In the Surajpur kidnapping case, police say a former driver orchestrated the abduction of a 62-year-old woman, demanding ₹22 lakh ransom before arrest

A 62-year-old woman who was abducted from her home in Surajpur has been rescued safely, with police revealing that the alleged mastermind behind the kidnapping was the victim’s former driver. The accused, along with two associates, is said to have plotted the crime to extort ₹22 lakh, reportedly motivated by knowledge of the family’s retirement savings.

The incident, which unfolded late last month, has drawn attention due to the level of planning involved and the familiarity the accused had with the victim’s household.

Incident unfolds at home

According to police, the abduction took place on April 29 in Sarnapara village under the Surajpur Kotwali police station limits. The victim, identified as Lalita Kujur, was alone at home when the incident occurred.

Her husband, who had travelled to Ambikapur for vehicle repairs with a driver, returned in the afternoon to find the house ransacked. There were signs of a struggle, and blood stains were visible at a few spots, officials said.

Shortly after, a call was received from the woman’s phone. An unidentified caller demanded ₹22 lakh for her safe release. The phone was switched off soon after.

Police launch search

Senior officers treated the case as urgent. According to officials, three teams were formed to track down the abductors and locate the victim. Search operations were carried out across nearby areas, and initial leads were examined.

During the course of investigation, suspicion fell on a former driver who had earlier worked for the family. Police detained the suspect, identified as Roshan Devangan, for questioning.

“During interrogation, he admitted involvement in the crime,” a police officer said, adding that further details emerged soon after.

Familiarity led to crime

Investigators said the accused had worked with the family for nearly 18 months and was aware that the victim’s husband had retired from South Eastern Coalfields Limited and received a substantial settlement.

“According to officials, the accused planned the kidnapping after learning about the retirement funds,” a senior officer said.

He allegedly roped in two accomplices, including one identified as Sheikh Ishu. The group then visited the victim’s house under the pretext of asking for water. Once inside, they overpowered her, tied her hands and legs, and covered her face with tape.

Ransom demand and escape

The woman was then transported on a motorcycle to a location in Dumaria. From there, the accused used her phone to contact her husband and issue the ransom demand.

Police said the abductors later switched off the phone and moved locations to avoid detection.

However, with police teams intensifying patrols and search operations, the accused reportedly panicked.

Victim abandoned midway

Fearing arrest, the abductors abandoned the woman along a bypass road between Dumaria and Chandarpur. Before fleeing, they removed the tape and restraints and allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by burning them.

Despite being injured, the woman managed to reach a nearby house and informed locals, who then alerted her family and the police.

She was immediately taken to the district hospital in Surajpur for treatment. Officials said her condition is stable.

Arrests and seizure

Following the breakthrough, police arrested Roshan Devangan and later apprehended Sheikh Ishu while he was allegedly attempting to flee towards Bilaspur. A third accused remains absconding, and search efforts are ongoing.

Authorities also seized a motorcycle, a scooter, and two mobile phones believed to have been used in the crime.

Ongoing investigation

Police officials said the investigation is continuing to trace the absconding suspect and gather further evidence.

“The Surajpur kidnapping case highlights how prior knowledge of a family’s financial situation was misused,” an officer noted, adding that more details could emerge as the probe progresses.