PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Jan 27: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Piyush Pandey on Tuesday categorically stated that no ransom was paid for the release of abducted industrialist’s son Kairav Gandhi, asserting that sustained police pressure and coordinated multi-state operations forced the kidnappers to abandon their extortion plan.
Addressing a press conference after the victim’s safe recovery, the SSP said neither the family nor the police yielded to ransom demands. “Strategic action, continuous raids and technical surveillance tightened the net so effectively that the abductors had no option but to release him,” he said.
Confirming the safe recovery of Kairav Gandhi (24) after 14 days in captivity, Pandey said, “From the very beginning, our priority was the safe recovery of Kairav Gandhi. Persistent raids, technical surveillance and coordinated teamwork tightened the noose around the accused, compelling them to release him,” the SSP said.
Abduction Planned to Avoid Suspicion
Kairav Gandhi, son of noted industrialist Devang Gandhi and a resident of the CH Area under Bistupur police station, went missing on January 13, triggering widespread concern due to the calculated nature of the crime.
Investigations revealed that the kidnappers used a vehicle resembling a police car, complete with official-looking stickers, to abduct him from the busy Sonari–Kadma Link Road, enabling them to evade immediate suspicion.
Police confirmed that the kidnapping was carried out with the intent of extortion, and ransom calls were made to the family. However, no ransom was paid.
“Neither the family nor the police succumbed to pressure. We were confident that strategic and sustained action would ensure his safe return,” SSP Pandey said.
Multi-State Operation and Technical Surveillance
Police teams relied heavily on mobile tracking, CCTV footage and credible intelligence inputs to track the accused. Multiple special teams were deployed across Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha, conducting continuous raids and surveillance.
As pressure mounted and police closed in, panic reportedly set in among the abductors, eventually forcing them to abandon the victim.
According to police, Kairav Gandhi was recovered around 12:30 am from the Jharkhand–Bihar border area. After completing the necessary formalities, he was safely reunited with his family at their residence in the early hours of Tuesday, around 4:30 am.
Family Reunited, Police Praised
City SP Shivashish Kumar said the case was accorded the highest priority due to its sensitive nature. Immediate constitution of special teams, intensive field operations and seamless coordination played a decisive role in the successful outcome.
Kairav’s father, Devang Gandhi, expressed deep gratitude to the Jamshedpur police and the Jharkhand Police administration, noting that senior officers remained in constant touch with the family and provided regular updates throughout the ordeal.
Police officials said the operation was executed under the leadership of the SSP, with City SP and Rural SP working in close coordination, and multiple teams operating round the clock using ground intelligence and technical evidence.
Accused Identified, Raids Continue
The SSP confirmed that the accused have been identified and raids are continuing at various locations to ensure their arrest.
“This case sends a clear message that criminals will not be spared, no matter how well-planned the crime,” SSP Pandey said, urging citizens to report any suspicious activity.
Police also appealed to the public and well-wishers to respect the family’s privacy, allowing them time to recover after days of prolonged stress.
