Pune: Metro Contractor Kidnapped on Pretext Of Site Visit, ₹50 Lakh Ransom Demand; Five Arrested
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Pune, April 16, 2026: In a shocking incident in Pune, a metro contractor was allegedly kidnapped after being lured under the pretext of being shown land for a stone crusher business. The accused later demanded a ransom of ₹50 lakh before releasing him. Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the case.
According to police officials, the 40-year-old contractor, originally from Kanpur and currently residing in the Gahunje area, was acquainted with one of the accused, Sagar Zhurunge, a stone crusher operator from Lonikand. The contractor had previously purchased construction material from him.
Taking advantage of this familiarity, the accused allegedly called the contractor on Tuesday afternoon, claiming they would show him a new site for setting up a stone crusher. He was asked to reach near a hotel in the Kharadi IT Park area around 12 pm.
When the contractor arrived at the location, he was forcibly taken into a vehicle and transported to an undisclosed location. The accused allegedly threatened him with death and demanded ₹50 lakh as ransom. He was held captive from around 12 pm to 7:30 pm.
Later in the evening, the accused released him in the Kharadi area and fled the spot.
Following the incident, the contractor approached the police, who immediately launched an investigation. Acting swiftly, teams led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingale and DCP Somay Munde arrested five accused within hours using technical surveillance.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sagar Dattatray Zhurunge (39), Vijay Suresh Walunj (38), Raju Vijaykumar Sahane (32), Rupesh Shivaji Gavade (38), and Prakash Balasaheb Raut (34). All are reportedly associated with the stone crusher business.
The investigation is being carried out under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Chavan, with further probe led by Assistant Inspector Godse. Police are also examining whether the kidnapping was linked to business rivalry or financial disputes.
