Man holds 17-yr-old 'girlfriend' for R60 lakh ransom

A man was arrested in the Capital for allegedly trying to extort R60 lakh from the family of his teenaged 'girlfriend', the police said on Saturday.

A man was arrested in the Capital for allegedly trying to extort R60 lakh from the family of his teenaged 'girlfriend', the police said on Saturday.

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The accused has been identified as Prabhjod Singh, a resident of Moti Nagar, who wanted to go abroad. The girl was rescued from his custody.

Singh was apprehended following investigations into a complaint filed by a Moti Nagar resident that his 17-year-old daughter has not returned home since Friday evening.

The girl's father had received a text message on his mobile number demanding R60 lakh for her release.

"More of such SMSes were received by the complainant demanding money to ensure safety of (his) daughter," Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Sharad Aggarwal said.

Investigations revealed that Singh, who used to live in the girl's neighbourhood, was missing. He was last seen in Kirti Nagar area.

"After zeroing in on the suspect, all probable hideouts were raided. He was traced from near the Moti Nagar Metro station. In the evening, the police questioned his family members and friends," Aggarwal said.

"Specific information was received that the suspect, along with the girl, will reach Moti Nagar Metro Station. A trap was laid near Metro station and the suspect was apprehended and the girl was rescued safely." he said.

During interrogation, he said, Singh told them that he was pursuing BCA in Delhi and was not able to meet his requirements with his earnings.

"He intends to go abroad after finishing his study. He dreamed of becoming a millionaire and settle in London. During this period he met the girl and won her confidence. He found that she was from a

business family," the DCP said adding that Singh then planned to extort money.

On Friday, Singh called the girl to meet him at the Metro station for some urgent work and then took her with him.

"He had the idea that her parents can give him handsome amount for safe release of their daughter. He was also confident that if he is caught, the girl will support him as she likes him," Aggarwal said.