A quick-thinking move using a smartwatch helped rescue a 25-year-old hotel manager who was allegedly abducted and held hostage over a loan dispute in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district, police said on Thursday.

Abduction after loan repayment dispute

The victim, Saurabh Sharma, a resident of Koteshwar Colony, works as a hotel manager in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, and had returned to Gwalior on leave a few days ago. Police said he had borrowed ₹2.90 lakh from local moneylenders Hemant Sharma, also known as Chhotu Tyagi, and Sachin Tyagi.

Although Saurabh reportedly repaid ₹3.20 lakh, the lenders allegedly imposed compounded interest and began demanding ₹6 lakh, threatening him with serious consequences if he failed to pay.

Forced confinement and assault

Investigators said Saurabh was intercepted near his house and asked to accompany the accused on a motorcycle. When he refused, he was allegedly forced along and taken to Sachin Tyagi’s residence, where he was confined to a room.

Police said he was assaulted for not meeting the demand and later locked inside the room, leaving him with no immediate means of escape.

Smartwatch call triggers rescue

While trapped, Saurabh noticed a smartwatch belonging to one of the accused lying nearby. Using the device, he managed to place a call to his girlfriend, informing her about the abduction and sharing his location.

She immediately alerted Saurabh’s father, who approached the police. Acting swiftly on the complaint, officers detained Hemant Sharma and compelled him to contact his accomplice.

Under police pressure, Sachin Tyagi released Saurabh, who was rescued without further harm. Both accused were arrested soon after.

Illegal money lending under scrutiny

Confirming the arrests, Gwalior City Superintendent of Police Krishna Pal Singh said the case involved illegal money lending and extortion through exorbitant interest rates.

“The accused held a young man captive over a loan dispute. Based on the victim’s complaint, both have been arrested and sent to judicial custody,” he said, adding that further investigation is underway.

The incident has highlighted the growing risks posed by unregulated money lending and the unexpected role technology can play in emergencies.