Nagpur gang uses gay dating app to kidnap and rob delivery boy, 5 arrested

A gang of 5 men in Nagpur allegedly used a gay dating app to lure young men before kidnapping, assaulting and robbing them, police said on Friday.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Sheikh Zakir Mohammad Sheikh Fakruddin, Kunal Mandre, Sultan Ali Sayyad, Farhan Faizan Khan, and Shizan Sheikh Fakruddin Ali Ahmed.

According to police, a young man had connected with the accused through a dating app. After exchanging messages for a few days, the accused allegedly convinced him to meet them and later carried out the crime.

The incident took place around midnight on June 22 when the man, a delivery boy, was returning home on his Activa scooter after finishing work.

When he reached the Mankapur Chowk area, one of the accused allegedly approached him and asked for a lift. The delivery boy, intending to help, allowed him to sit on the scooter.

After travelling a short distance, the accused allegedly called his accomplices, who then surrounded and kidnapped him. The group allegedly took away his scooter keys, mobile phone and ATM card.

Police said the accused then took the delivery boy to multiple locations and threatened him. They allegedly contacted people known to the man, giving false reasons and demanding money from them.

Following the demands, the delivery boy's friends and acquaintances deposited around Rs 90,000 into his bank account. The accused allegedly withdrew the money using the his ATM card.

Police formed three teams to investigate the case. CCTV footage from the crime spot and nearby areas was examined, and technical analysis along with confidential information helped officials identify and arrest all five accused.

The accused have been taken into custody as police continue their investigation into the case.

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