Bhopal IAS Academy Director Robbed of ₹1.89 Crore: Six Arrested
In a shocking incident in Bhopal, the director of an IAS academy, Shubhra Ranjan, was the victim of an organized robbery amounting to ₹1.89 crore. The crime branch has apprehended six suspects, including the alleged mastermind Priyanka Sharma. The suspects lured Shubhra from Delhi to Bhopal under the pretext of discussing franchise opportunities and seminars. Upon her arrival, they held her hostage in an apartment and coerced her into transferring money at gunpoint.
Priyanka Sharma, a former student of the academy, orchestrated the entire scheme. Along with her accomplices, she took Shubhra to a secluded location where they threatened her with a firearm, forcing her to transfer ₹1.89 crore into accounts belonging to their firms, 'Janakshila' and 'RS Enterprises'.
Crime Branch's Swift Action
Following the incident, the crime branch acted quickly to trace the suspects and successfully froze the entire amount deposited in various bank accounts within hours. Authorities have indicated that the process of recovering the funds is ongoing, and they are optimistic that Shubhra will soon receive her money back.
Victim's Stay at a Luxury Hotel
After arriving from Delhi, Shubhra checked into a five-star hotel near Bhadbhada. From there, Priyanka Sharma took her to Bagsewania under the guise of showing her a potential franchise location, where she was held captive for two days in an apartment. During this time, her bank accounts were accessed for online transfers.
Fake Kidnapping Video Created
To further intimidate Shubhra and ensure she wouldn't report the incident or refuse future payments, the suspects created a fake kidnapping video. They staged a mock kidnapping of one of their own associates. Interestingly, the apartment used for the crime was rented just a day before the incident, and a religious ceremony was held there to mask Shubhra's cries.
Criminals from Datia and Rewa were brought in to execute this crime, using threats of violence to carry out their plan. After the robbery, Priyanka Sharma pretended to be ill and attempted to evade capture by admitting herself to the ICU of AIIMS hospital. However, police arrived at the hospital and arrested her, despite a commotion caused by her mother and wife.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were preparing to flee the country following the crime. The role of Priyanka's wife is also under scrutiny. So far, police have arrested six individuals, including the alleged mastermind Priyanka Sharma.