Youngster abducted after online meet-up, rescued by police; one held

 

By Sagaya Fernando | 6 July 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: A 20-year-old man was rescued by Delhi Police on Thursday 3 July 2025 evening after he was abducted and assaulted by a group of men, allegedly in a pre-planned extortion attempt orchestrated through a fake online relationship.

The victim, identified as Nikhil, had been chatting with a woman named Khushi on social media for the past two months. On July 3, he informed his family that he was going out to meet her. Hours later, his sister received a disturbing call from his number. The caller, claiming to be Khushi’s brother, said Nikhil had been “caught with her” and would not be released. He disconnected abruptly, raising alarm in the family.

Acting swiftly on the complaint, officers at Shakarpur Police Station launched a rescue operation. Initial tracking led them to Noida’s Sector 6, but no concrete lead emerged. However, the breakthrough came when Nikhil’s phone briefly switched on and was traced to Yamuna Khadar near Mayur Vihar Metro Station.

A police team rushed to the location and found a group of men assaulting Nikhil. The assailants attempted to flee upon spotting the police, abandoning their motorcycles at the scene. One accused, identified as Sanjeev Kumar Lohia (31), a resident of Trilokpuri, was apprehended on the spot. Nikhil’s phone was also recovered from his possession.

During questioning, Nikhil revealed that Khushi had taken him to Indirapuram Mall before the incident. Later, near a metro station, five men intercepted and forcibly abducted him. He alleged that Khushi was part of the conspiracy and had coordinated with the attackers.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the motive behind the abduction was extortion,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania. “Multiple teams have been formed to track and apprehend the remaining accused, including the woman involved.”

A case has been registered at Shakarpur Police Station, and further investigation is underway.

Police have urged the public to exercise caution while interacting with strangers on social media and to immediately report any suspicious behaviour.