Mumbai Crime Branch Rescues Abducted Agent, Seven Arrested

The Mumbai Crime Branch has successfully resolved the abduction of an estate agent linked to a drug trafficking network. The incident, which occurred on June 12, 2023, involved the kidnapping of Shabbir Siddiqui and his friend Sajid Electricwala. They were taken from Hotel Alibaba in Andheri (W), purportedly under the pretense of a dinner meeting. The abduction is believed to be connected to a financial dispute over a failed drug deal.

The operation led to the recovery of one victim from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, after he had been held captive for nearly ten days. In total, seven individuals were arrested, including Sarwar Khan, a known associate of fugitive gangster Chhota Shakeel‘s brother, Anwar Khan. The police also seized numerous mobile phones and two of the three vehicles used during the abduction.

The incident reportedly stemmed from a transaction where Sarwar provided Rs 50 lakh to Sajid for a consignment of mephedrone, which was never delivered. Following their abduction, the victims were moved to various safehouses across Raigad, Nashik, and a location in Madhya Pradesh before being finally confined in Banda, where they faced severe mistreatment.

Details of the Abduction and Rescue

Shabbir was able to escape on July 10 and subsequently notified the police. His detailed account prompted the Oshiwara Police to register a case, which was referred to the Crime Branch for further investigation. Senior inspectors Ghanshyam Nair and Sadanand Yerekar confirmed that the gang’s intent was to kill Sajid to recover the outstanding drug money.

According to a senior officer, “This was a well-orchestrated crime involving multiple vehicles and locations. The accused forcibly confined and tortured the victims, using threats and violence. If Shabbir had not escaped and alerted the police, they would have killed Sajid.”

During the investigation, it was revealed that Sarwar acted on behalf of Anwar Khan, who has been financing drug deals. Sajid had previously been arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in a major mephedrone case in 2015 and is believed to have resumed drug trafficking operations after being released on bail.

Sarwar’s criminal history includes at least six serious offenses, ranging from arms possession and rioting to kidnapping and dacoity. Investigators are also looking into the victims’ potential involvement in drug trafficking activities. All seven accused are currently in police custody as the investigation continues.

This case underscores the complexities of Mumbai’s underworld and the ongoing issues related to drug trafficking in the region. The swift action by the Crime Branch highlights the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and protect citizens from such violent acts.