In a dramatic and efficient rescue mission, Navi Mumbai Police successfully traced and freed a kidnapped trader within 24 hours of the abduction, arresting three suspects linked to the crime.
The incident unfolded late evening on May 18, when Pankesh Sanjay Patil (27), a trader, was kidnapped near Ashwar Business Park in APMC, Navi Mumbai. Patil and his business partner, Prashant Appasaheb Khairnar (33), were returning home when a white Maruti Swift intercepted them. The attackers, armed and aggressive, forcibly dragged Patil into the car, also roughing up Khairnar for trying to intervene.
A case was registered following which several police units were formed, including Crime Branch Units I and II, the Central Crime Branch, and police officials from APMC Police Station. CCTV footage from the area, toll booth data, and extensive digital tracking enabled police to follow the suspect’s movements. The suspects were identified as Rishikesh Ingole (25), a Washim-based import-export businessman; Mangesh Astarakar (23), a mason; and Sagar Manwar (25), who currently resides in Diva West.
They were arrested in the wee hours of Tuesday from Washim and the victim was rescued. The accused were arrested under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) – 140(1), 142, 126(2), 135, and 3(5).
“The registration number of the vehicle which was used for kidnapping was fake. We traced the accused with the help of technical evidence and information gathered on ground. Investigations revealed that Patil owed the accused close to Rs 10 lakh, due to a failed business agreement,” a police officer said. After waiting nearly three years for repayment, the accused allegedly decided to kidnap Patil to recover the debt.
