Mon Dec 16 02:15:40 UTC 2024: **Bollywood Actor Kidnapped, Gang Arrested; Plot to Abduct Shakti Kapoor Foiled**

**Meerut, Uttar Pradesh –** Four members of a gang have been arrested for the kidnapping of Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, who was abducted from Delhi airport and held for ransom in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh police announced Saturday. The gang, which targeted Khan under the guise of an event invitation, also plotted to kidnap veteran actor Shakti Kapoor using a similar tactic.

Khan, known for his roles in films like *Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke* and *Welcome*, was lured to Meerut on October 15th with an advance payment and air ticket. Upon arrival at Delhi airport on November 20th, he was forced into a vehicle and held captive. The kidnappers withdrew ₹2.2 lakh from his bank account before he managed to escape on November 21st and seek help at a local mosque.

Police have identified the arrested suspects as Sarthak Chaudhary, Sabiuddin, Azim, and Shashank, recovering ₹1.04 lakh in the process. Investigations revealed the gang’s modus operandi involved luring film stars with event invitations and advance payments. Shakti Kapoor was also targeted, with the gang offering him ₹5 lakh to attend a fabricated event, but the plan was thwarted due to disagreements over the advance payment.

Authorities are actively pursuing the remaining gang members, including the alleged mastermind, Lavi alias Rahul Saini. The investigation is ongoing to determine if the gang was involved in other similar crimes.

In a related development, Arjun, a suspect involved in the recent kidnapping of comedian Sunil Pal, was shot and injured during a police encounter in Meerut on Sunday. Arjun, arrested Saturday, attempted to escape custody, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Police recovered an SUV used in Pal’s kidnapping, along with ₹2.25 lakh and a mobile phone, from Arjun. Authorities believe the gang responsible for Pal’s kidnapping is linked to the Bijnor-based group responsible for Khan’s abduction.

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