Doctor Kidnapped On Solapur–Pune Highway; Pune Rural Police Arrest Four, Recover ₹15.8 Lakh
Doctor Kidnapped On Solapur–Pune Highway; Pune Rural Police Arrest Four, Recover ₹15.8 Lakh
Pune, January 20, 2026: Pune Rural Police have arrested four persons in connection with the abduction of a 58-year-old doctor from the Uruli Kanchan area and the subsequent extortion of ₹19 lakh as ransom. Police have also seized cash and vehicles collectively valued at ₹15.8 lakh that were allegedly used during the crime.
The accused include the doctor’s driver, Rajendra Chagan Rajguru (32), along with Santosh Somnath Bankar (36), Datta alias Gotu Balu Aher (34), and Sunil alias Sonu Murlidhar Magar (30). Police records show that Magar is a repeat offender with multiple cases of property-related crimes registered against him.
According to investigators, the incident occurred on the night of January 10 when Dr Vitthal Kisan Chaudhary, a resident of Kunjirwadi in Haveli taluka, was travelling on the Solapur–Pune highway near Uruli Kanchan. His car was intercepted by a white Ertiga, after which the assailants forcibly abducted him at knifepoint.
The doctor was allegedly assaulted and taken towards the Shindwane area, where the kidnappers demanded money. An initial amount of ₹4 lakh was taken from him before he was dropped near Chaufula. The accused later issued threats and demanded an additional ₹15 lakh, which was paid on January 12 due to fear for his safety.
After receiving the complaint, Pune Rural Police formed multiple teams from the Local Crime Branch and Uruli Kanchan Police Station to probe the case. During the investigation, evidence pointed towards the involvement of the driver, leading to his interrogation and subsequent confession. Further technical analysis and field inquiries helped police trace and arrest the remaining accused.
During the operation, police seized the Ertiga car, estimated to be worth ₹8 lakh, along with ₹7.8 lakh in cash. All four accused were produced before a court on January 20, 2026, and were remanded to police custody. Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
