In Palghar, a 20-year-old man allegedly invented a fake kidnapping story to extort money from his father, as revealed by the police on Sunday, stated a report in PTI. According to the report, the incident unfolded when a resident of Fatherwadi in Vasai reported to the Valiv police that his son had left home on December 7 but hadn't returned. Consequently, a missing person's case was lodged on December 8.

During the investigation, the father received a troubling call from his son, who claimed he was being held captive by three people seeking Rs 30,000 in ransom. To facilitate payment, the son even sent a QR code. Responding quickly, four police squads investigated Vasai, Virar, Nallasopara, and other regions in search of the suspect, the report added.