In a deeply disturbing incident, Laxman Sadhu Shinde (55), a Pune-based businessman, was found murdered in Bihar’s Jehanabad district, days after he flew to Patna on a business trip. Shinde, who ran Centrifugal Casting Bearing in Khed Shivapur, had travelled to meet a man named Shivraj Sagi over a potential deal.
According to police, Shinde landed in Patna on April 11, updating his daughter by call and message. In a WhatsApp text around 8:30 pm, he stated he was heading to a coal mine in Jharkhand to inspect machinery. That was his last known communication.
When Shinde’s family lost contact, a missing person’s report was filed on April 12 at Kothrud Police Station. Investigations by Pune and Patna police revealed he was abducted shortly after leaving the airport. His body was later discovered under Ghosi Police Station limits in Jehanabad.
Authorities suspect a pre-planned extortion racket, where victims are lured with fake business opportunities, picked up from Patna airport, and taken to secluded locations. In Shinde’s case, ₹90,000 was withdrawn using his ATM card before he was allegedly beaten to death after refusing to reveal other account details.
Seven accused have been arrested: Ranjit Patel, Viptara Kumar, Lalbihari, Vikas alias Mohit, Kundan Kumar, Sangita Kumari, and Sachin Ranjan. Charges under BNS sections 103(2) (mob lynching), 111 (extortion), and kidnapping have been invoked.
Investigations continue, with more arrests expected.
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