In Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, a young man created a fake story of kidnapping to extort money from his own elder brother. But the wrong spelling of the word ‘Death’ in the ransom note led the police to the truth of the matter. Police investigation revealed that the youth had planned to kidnap himself and demand a ransom of ₹50,000.
How was the matter revealed?
- Wrong spelling raised suspicion:
The police became suspicious after seeing the wrong spelling of the word ‘Death’ in the ransom message. - Police cunningness:
The police got an application written by Sandeep, a young man who claimed to be a victim of kidnapping. In this he wrote the same wrong spelling (‘Death’) which was in the ransom note.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Neeraj Kumar Jadaun said that this mistake became an important clue to reveal the truth of the case.
How did the incident begin?
- Complaint:
On January 5, Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Bandarha village of Pihani police station area of Hardoi district, complained to the police.- According to the complaint, she received a call from an unknown number that her 27-year-old brother Sandeep had been kidnapped.
- A ransom of ₹50,000 was demanded in exchange for his release.
- Video clip:
A 13-second video was sent to Sanjay, in which Sandeep was seen tied with ropes.
Why did the police get suspicious?
- Less educated kidnapper?
SP said that seeing the wrong spelling of ‘Death’ in the ransom note, it was suspected that the kidnapper was less educated. - Low ransom demand:
Even asking for small amounts like ₹50,000 in cases like kidnapping seemed suspicious to the police. - Sanjay’s background:
Complainant Sanjay’s lack of enmity with anyone also brought the case under suspicion.
Police investigation and revelation of the truth
- Mobile location helped:
While tracing the mobile location, the police found Sandeep in Rupapur area of Hardoi. - Application written:
During interrogation, the police asked Sandeep to write an application regarding the kidnapping.- Sandeep rewrote the word ‘Death’ as ’Death’ in the application, which convinced the police that it was he who had hatched the conspiracy.
- Inspired by TV serials:
Sandeep confessed that he had created this false story after watching TV serials like CID.
Purpose of fake kidnapping
Sandeep told the police that he was facing financial crisis and hatched this plan to extort money from his elder brother.
background of the accused
- Sandeep works at Mirzapur Sugarcane Procurement Center in Pali area of Hardoi.
- He made a video to fabricate the story of his kidnapping and sent a message for ransom.
police statement
SP Neeraj Kumar Jadaun said:
“This case of fake kidnapping was completely a conspiracy of Sandeep. He created this drama to extort money from his brother. The misspelling helped solve the case. The accused has been arrested.”
