Bhopal Hostage Robbery: IAS Coach Extorted ₹1.89 Crore Under Religious Pretense
Religious recital used as cover in Bhopal hostage robbery of IAS coach; ex-student among six held
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a Delhi-based IAS coaching director, Shubhra Ranjan, was held hostage and extorted for ₹1.89 crore by six individuals, including a former student, Priyank Sharma. The crime involved a religious recital to mask the victim's distress calls, showcasing a calculated and premeditated operation.
- 01The victim was coerced into transferring ₹1.89 crore while held hostage.
- 02A religious Sundarkand recital was used to drown out cries for help.
- 03The main conspirator was Priyank Sharma, a former student of the coaching academy.
- 04Police arrested six suspects, with one still at large.
- 05Authorities are working to recover the stolen funds for the victim.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In a shocking incident in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a Delhi-based IAS coaching director, Shubhra Ranjan, was lured to the city and held hostage in a rented flat by a group of six individuals, including Priyank Sharma, a former student. On April 29, Sharma invited Ranjan under the guise of discussing business expansion. Once at the flat in Bagsewaniya, armed accomplices threatened her at gunpoint, coercing her to transfer ₹1.89 crore (approximately $227,000 USD) into multiple bank accounts. The criminals orchestrated a Sundarkand recital to mask her cries for help, demonstrating a calculated approach to the crime. Following the incident, Ranjan reported the crime to the police on April 30, leading to immediate action. Authorities froze the recipient bank accounts and began tracking the suspects. Police arrested Sharma after he attempted to evade capture by claiming illness at AIIMS Bhopal. Six individuals were arrested, while one suspect remains at large. The police have recovered weapons used in the crime and are working to return the stolen funds to Ranjan.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This incident raises concerns about safety and security for business professionals in Bhopal, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think the police are doing enough to ensure safety for business professionals?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



