Builder Abducted at Gunpoint in Ulhasnagar Rescued Within 8 Hours, One Arrested
Thane Police rescued prominent builder and estate agent Jayram Nehalani within eight hours after he was abducted at gunpoint from the Gol Maidan area in Ulhasnagar on Monday morning. One suspect has been arrested, while police are actively searching for the remaining accused.
According to preliminary investigations, Nehalani had reached Gol Maidan in Ulhasnagar Camp-2 for his morning walk. Around 10 am, as he was leaving the ground, a group of armed men with handkerchiefs covering their faces intercepted him. When Nehalani resisted, one assailant pointed a revolver at him and threatened him. The kidnappers struck him on the head, forcibly bundled him into a Scorpio SUV, and fled the area.
Following a complaint, police formed multiple teams led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Gore, Assistant Commissioner of Police Shankar Avtade, Senior Police Inspector Subhash Avhad, and Crime Branch chief Dilip Gajjar. The police initiated a coordinated search utilizing CCTV footage, call records, and technical surveillance, eventually tracking the abductors to the Khadavli area.
As police closed in, the kidnappers abandoned the Scorpio and shifted Nehalani into a WagonR in an attempt to escape. Officers intercepted the vehicle near Khadavli and secured Nehalani's safe release. One suspect, identified as Anil Jagtap, a resident of Chakkinalaka in Kalyan, was taken into custody at the scene, while the other suspects managed to flee.
Investigators are currently probing an alleged Rs 50 lakh ransom demand. Preliminary findings indicate the accused contacted Nehalani’s son demanding the sum for his release. Police are also examining if the gang switched vehicle number plates to evade surveillance, and whether the abduction stems from a business dispute, personal enmity, or organized crime.
DCP Sachin Gore confirmed that five persons were involved in the armed abduction, one accused is in custody, and an investigation into the Rs 50 lakh ransom demand is underway.
