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Ludhiana:20-year-old held captive for ₹5 lakh ransom; hunt on for 9

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Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times

September 13, 2026
Ludhiana:20-year-old held captive for  ₹5 lakh ransom; hunt on for 9

Ludhiana faces a surge in crime reports, including a kidnapping case in Daad village and a mysterious disappearance of a youth from Karnal. Meanwhile, the descendant of revolutionary Sukhdev Thapar has protested the reduction of his security detail by local police.

Crime and Security Challenges in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, a major industrial hub in Punjab, is currently grappling with a series of unsettling security incidents that highlight both criminal activity and the strain on local law enforcement resources. Recent reports indicate a rise in abduction-related cases and public dissatisfaction regarding the allocation of police protection.

Kidnapping and Extortion in Daad Village

In a harrowing incident, a 20-year-old youth named Raman from Daad village was allegedly kidnapped, brutally assaulted, and held captive in Alamgir village. The perpetrators demanded a ransom of ₹5 lakh. This incident, which involved five named suspects—Sunny, Gunni, Dana, Aryan, and Ghuggi—alongside four unidentified accomplices, underscores the brazen nature of criminal gangs operating within the region. Raman’s successful escape and subsequent reporting to the police have allowed authorities to initiate a formal case and launch a manhunt for the nine individuals involved.

Mysterious Disappearances and Inter-State Jurisdictions

Simultaneously, law enforcement is investigating the disappearance of Amarjit, a 20-year-old from Karnal, Haryana. Having moved to Ludhiana on August 14 with a married woman and her child, Amarjit went missing shortly after the group was summoned by the Indri police station in Karnal. His father, Suba Singh, has filed an FIR, as the family fears abduction. This case highlights the complexities of inter-state investigations and the vulnerabilities faced by individuals living in transient or non-traditional living arrangements.

Security Reductions and Public Protest

Beyond criminal investigations, the Ludhiana police are facing criticism regarding resource management. Ashok Thapar, a descendant of the iconic revolutionary Sukhdev Thapar, has publicly protested the reduction of his security cover. Thapar, who previously had two security personnel, saw one withdrawn due to what Additional Police Commissioner Rupinder Singh described as a general shortage of police personnel. In a move of defiance, Thapar requested the withdrawal of his remaining guard, signaling a breakdown in communication between high-profile citizens and the local administration.

Broader Implications and Future Trends

These events collectively suggest that Ludhiana’s police force is currently stretched thin. The necessity to balance urgent criminal investigations—such as the kidnapping in Daad village—with the logistical demands of protecting public figures creates a precarious environment. If personnel shortages persist, the police may struggle to maintain the public order required to keep criminal elements in check. Future trends indicate that unless the force is bolstered, citizens may increasingly feel unprotected, and high-profile individuals may continue to clash with the administration over security protocols.

Conclusion

The situation in Ludhiana remains fluid, with police efforts focused on tracking the suspects in the kidnapping case and unraveling the mystery behind Amarjit’s disappearance. As the administration navigates these pressures, the ability to effectively manage security resources will be the defining factor in restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety of residents.