Veteran TV actor Rajesh Puri, known for his roles in shows like Saath Nibhaana Saathiya and Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, recently faced a shocking ordeal when he was nearly kidnapped in Delhi. The incident occurred earlier this month when the actor was invited to attend an award function, only to realize that it was a setup.
The Invitation and Suspicion
In an interview with ETimes, Rajesh Puri revealed how he was contacted by a man named Shivam, who claimed to represent an event company. Shivam invited him to an award show supposedly linked to the government, scheduled for September 8. To make the offer appear legitimate, Rajesh was given Rs 35,000 as an appearance fee and sent a return flight ticket for September 9.
Puri shared, “He also asked for a photo and a recorded speech for promotional material. Everything seemed legal, so I didn’t think much of it, even though I repeatedly asked for an official invitation. At that time, I was busy with Ganpati celebrations and didn’t worry too much.”
The Arrival and Kidnapping Attempt
On arriving at Delhi airport, Puri was greeted by two men who claimed to be from the event organizers. They escorted him into a taxi, but soon things began to feel off. After an hour, they stopped the taxi and transferred him to another car—one with no license plate and a masked driver. Rajesh immediately grew suspicious, but the men brushed off his concerns, claiming it was a new vehicle.
Things took a turn when the car started heading towards Meerut instead of the event venue. When Rajesh asked about this, the men evaded his questions. Realizing something was seriously wrong, Puri cleverly mentioned his influential contacts in Delhi to make the men uncomfortable.
The Escape at the Dhaba
As the car neared Meerut, the men stopped at a roadside dhaba and offered food. This was when one of the kidnappers confided in Puri, saying, “Go back. This is not right. There is no function, and you have been kidnapped.” Rajesh quickly grasped the gravity of the situation and demanded to be dropped off. The kidnappers, sensing trouble, agreed to leave him at the Delhi-Meerut border.
“My brother-in-law came to pick me up from the border after I informed him about the situation,” Rajesh added.
A Close Call
This alarming experience highlighted the growing trend of scams targeting celebrities in India. Puri’s quick thinking and composed response helped him avoid a potentially dangerous situation. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and cautious, especially in professional dealings.
Rajesh Puri’s experience is an eye-opener, and his fortunate escape has left his fans and colleagues relieved, while also raising concerns about the increasing audacity of fraudsters.
