Mumbai Police Bust Kidnapping and Extortion Racket in Santacruz East, Three Accused Arrested from Hyderabad

The Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 8, in coordination with Vakola Police, arrested three accused from Hyderabad. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ayan Khan, Azizuddin Khan, and Ganga Rajiv. Police teams are continuing efforts to trace the remaining two suspects involved in the crime.

According to the police investigation, the complainant, Khushpal Mohan Singh, 24, a resident of Bhuleshwar, works at a private firm. On July 9, 2026, at around 12:30 pm, Khushpal and his colleagues, Vikram and Mahavir, were called to Room No. 901, Navratna Building, located on CST Road in Kalina.

The accused allegedly informed them that a payment of ₹55 lakh was to be made in Hyderabad and that confirmation from their Mumbai office was required before the amount could be released.

Soon after the three employees entered the office, the accused allegedly locked the door from inside and held them captive. One of the accused reportedly pointed a pistol at Khushpal's head and forced him to contact his employer.

Under threat, Khushpal was allegedly compelled to falsely inform his employer through phone calls and messages that the ₹55 lakh payment had been safely received in Mumbai. He was further instructed to confirm that the amount being withheld in Hyderabad could now be handed over to the concerned person.

Fearing for their lives, the employees complied with the instructions. Based on the false confirmation, the businessman released ₹55 lakh in cash to associates of the accused in Hyderabad. After receiving confirmation of the payment, the five suspects allegedly threatened the hostages and escaped from the location.

Following the incident, Vakola Police registered a First Information Report under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act.

During the investigation, police examined local CCTV footage and tracked specific profiles linked to the suspects. Investigators focused on identifying details, including one suspect's heavy chain-smoking habit and a distinctive "Mom-Dad" tattoo on his right hand. These clues helped the police trace the syndicate's location to Telangana.

A police team conducted a raid at their hideout in Hyderabad and successfully apprehended three accused. The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated as police attempt to recover the extorted cash. Meanwhile, multiple police teams are conducting raids to locate and arrest the remaining two fugitives.

The case has highlighted the swift coordination between the Mumbai Crime Branch and local police authorities in dismantling an organised criminal operation involving kidnapping, intimidation, and financial extortion.