Rs 1 Crore ransom impersonating Odisha Vigilance officials: Businessman rescued; 5 arrested

Sushil Kumar Subudhi, a prominent businessman from Balugaon locality in Khordha district, was reportedly kidnapped by a gang posing as Odisha Vigilance officials. However, the abductee was rescued within 12 hours of the complaint, and five persons were arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping case, sources said on Monday.

Also Read: Kidnapped Cuttack trader rescued after two days from Kendrapara; Commissionerate Police arrests 7 accused

The kidnappers initially demanded Rs 1 crore and later reduced the ransom to Rs 50 lakh, calling his wife and threatening her with dire consequences if the demands were not met.

Acting swiftly on the complaint filed by Subudhi’s wife, Balugaon police tracked the location of the abductors and rescued him from a hideout with the help of some residents belonging to the Cuttack urban belt and Benta village. Khordha Superintendent of Police (SP) revealed the full details at a press briefing, confirming the arrest of five accused.

Authorities seized Rs 6.25 lakh in cash, along with a car, a motorbike, and deadly weapons from the kidnappers. The gang had allegedly been monitoring Sushil’s movements for days and finally abducted him on the night of September 17 while he was returning home.

This high-stakes operation by the police not only foiled a major ransom attempt but also highlighted the growing menace of fake officials exploiting fear for extortion.

“We had tracked a vehicle (SUV) near Tangi bypass road, and a police team later chased it. We were successful in arresting the accused with the help of some residents from Cuttack City and Benta village. During questioning, the victim had informed us that he was being recced,” Khordha SP, Vivekanand Sharma, stated.