Actor Mushtaq Khan Recounts Harrowing Kidnapping Ordeal in Meerut, FIR Filed

In a shocking revelation, veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, celebrated for his performances in films like Welcome and Stree 2, disclosed a distressing ordeal of being kidnapped while attending an event in Meerut.

Khan’s story adds to a growing list of similar incidents involving prominent figures, sparking concerns about safety in the entertainment industry.

Khan had been invited to the event with promises of an advance payment and flight tickets, which were duly provided. However, upon landing at the Delhi airport, he was directed into a car, ostensibly heading to the event venue.

Instead, he was driven to a location near Bijnor, where his nightmare began. The actor’s business partner, Shivam Yadav, revealed that the kidnappers tortured Khan for nearly 12 hours while demanding a ransom of ₹1 crore.

Eventually, the criminals managed to extort over ₹2 lakh from Khan and his son’s bank accounts.

The actor’s escape came in the early hours of the morning when he heard the call to prayer, the azaan. Realizing a mosque was nearby, he seized the opportunity to flee.

Khan sought help from locals and the police, who ensured his safe return home. Although shaken, the actor resolved to file a formal complaint. Yadav confirmed that an FIR was registered in Bijnor, supported by crucial evidence such as flight records, bank transactions, and CCTV footage.

According to Yadav, the police are actively investigating the case, and Khan is optimistic about justice being served.

Sunil Pal’s Similar Ordeal

The unsettling parallels between Khan’s experience and that of comedian Sunil Pal have raised suspicions about a larger criminal network targeting public figures.

Just days before Khan’s incident, Pal had shared his own story of being lured to Haridwar under the pretense of a performance booking. Similar to Khan, Pal had received advance payment and a vehicle to pick him up from the Delhi airport.

Upon reaching Meerut, however, he was forcibly transferred to another vehicle and threatened with a syringe allegedly containing poison.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₹20 lakh, but after negotiations, Pal managed to secure his release by transferring approximately ₹7.5 lakh.

Remarkably, the kidnappers even gave him ₹20,000 to arrange a flight back to Mumbai. Upon his return, Pal filed an FIR at the Santacruz Police Station, detailing his terrifying experience.

Rajesh Puri’s Narrow Escape

Actor Rajesh Puri, known for his extensive work in television and cinema, also faced a similar situation earlier in September. Puri was invited to an event in Meerut, provided with an advance payment of ₹35,000 and flight tickets.

However, upon arriving in Delhi, he noticed irregularities. The actor was transferred to a different vehicle, and vague answers from the organizers raised his suspicions. Recognizing the danger, Puri mentioned his influential connections in Delhi, unsettling the kidnappers.

While en route to Meerut, the kidnappers stopped at a roadside eatery, or dhaba, where they disclosed their intention to hold him hostage. However, they unexpectedly decided to release him near the border.

Puri’s brother-in-law picked him up, and he narrowly escaped a potentially life-threatening situation. His story adds another alarming dimension to the pattern of crimes targeting celebrities.

Authorities Investigate Possible Syndicate

The repeated incidents involving Mushtaq Khan, Sunil Pal, and Rajesh Puri point to the possibility of an organized syndicate operating under the guise of event management.

These crimes have left the entertainment industry deeply concerned about the safety and security of its members. Shivam Yadav, Khan’s business partner, voiced his shock, stating that the similarities between the incidents were too striking to ignore.

He emphasized the need for increased awareness and protective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Yadav also confirmed that the police are actively pursuing leads in Khan’s case. The evidence, including CCTV footage near the airport, bank records, and Khan’s recollection of the neighborhood where he was held, provides a strong foundation for identifying the culprits.

Meanwhile, Sunil Pal’s case continues to be under investigation, with authorities striving to uncover links between these crimes.

A Wake-Up Call for the Industry

These alarming incidents serve as a wake-up call for public figures and their teams to exercise caution when accepting event invitations.

The pattern of providing advance payments and travel arrangements has been effectively used by criminals to lure unsuspecting individuals. The entertainment industry must prioritize security protocols to ensure the safety of its members.

Mushtaq Khan, while still recovering from his ordeal, is expected to address the media in the coming days. His courage in speaking out about the incident reflects his determination to prevent others from falling victim to similar crimes.

The chilling accounts of Khan, Pal, and Puri underscore the urgent need for vigilance and collective action to safeguard those in the public eye.