Mumbai: Ex-employee’s tip-off leads to planned abduction in Antop Hill; police recover Rs 29.69 lakh

Antop Hill police with the six accused arrested. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Antop Hill police cracked a "complex" kidnapping and robbery case within six hours, arresting six accused for robbing a Virar resident of Rs 32.5 lakh on April 14.

Tracked target

The victim, Shravan Laxman Rawal, a Virar resident, walks through Antop Hill carrying R37 lakh in a bag after handing over part of R87 lakh in Andheri. A Bolero jeep trails him closely, trails him closely

Police believe the gang tracked him closely, monitoring his route and timing before executing the abduction. "They had planned everything - from transport to logistics. They knew the victim's movements and struck at the right moment," a police officer said.

With no initial leads, police analysed people linked to the victim's workplace and zeroed in on a former employee. His interrogation revealed a pre-planned plot involving seven others.

Wide net

An ex-employee of Rawal's firm allegedly tipped off seven others, sharing details of his route, timing, and cash. Police suspect insider knowledge helped the gang plan and execute the coordinated robbery

Multiple teams conducted raids across Mumbai, Nallasopara, and Goa, arresting six accused and recovering Rs 29.69 lakh. Two suspects remain absconding, with efforts underway to trace them and uncover the full conspiracy.

Arrests across Mumbai and Goa

>> Rahul Eknath Gaikwad, 30
>> Irfan Ali Ahmed Ali Khan, 33
>> Vivek Vilas Kakade, 32
>> Santosh Vasant Malekar, 44
>> Swapnil Chandrakant Patil, 34
>> Mohammad Rizwan Ansar, 41