Engineering Student Stages Fake Kidnapping for Rs 13 Lakh in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, April 17: An engineering student in Bhubaneswar has been booked for staging his own kidnapping in a bid to extort Rs 13 lakh from his family.

The youth, residing in a private hostel under Infovalley police limits, called his father claiming abduction and demanded ransom.

Acting swiftly, police formed a special team and traced him near Madanpur panchayat office, where he was found safe.

Investigations revealed that the student had borrowed nearly Rs 13 lakh from seven friends to fund a lavish lifestyle, citing false reasons such as medical emergencies and exam fees.

Having repaid only a fraction of the debt, he devised the fake kidnapping plan to clear his dues.

Authorities confirmed no abduction had taken place. The student now faces legal action for extortion and misleading police.