Popular comedian Sunil Pal, known for his comedic talents and TV appearances, recently faced a terrifying ordeal. On December 2, while traveling from Delhi to Haridwar for an event, Sunil was abducted by two individuals in Meerut. The suspects, identified as Lavi and Arjun Karnawal from Bijnor, were tracked down after an intensive investigation involving over 100 CCTV cameras.
The Incident: A Planned Deception
Sunil Pal had flown to Delhi from Mumbai to attend an event in Haridwar. The organizers arranged a car for him, which stopped at a dhaba in Meerut for a break. While there, three individuals approached Sunil, pretending to be his fans. They struck up a conversation and lured him into their vehicle, claiming they wanted to show him their “luxury car.”
Once inside, the comedian was blindsided as the men locked him in and drove away.
Four Hours of Fear
The abductors blindfolded Sunil and drove him around the streets of Meerut for nearly four hours. During this time, they pressured him to call his family for ransom money. Sunil, unwilling to involve his family, offered to arrange the money through friends instead.
The kidnappers took Sunil’s phone and used his Aadhaar and PAN card to purchase jewelry worth Rs. 6.15 lakh from two shops in Meerut. The payments were made through Sunil’s mobile, with bills issued in his name.
Jewelry Purchases Help Police Track Suspects
The abductors’ shopping spree turned out to be their biggest mistake. They purchased gold and other jewelry from Akash Ganga Jewelers at Begum Bridge and Akshit Jewelers in Jawahar Quarters, leaving behind crucial evidence.
Meerut Police analyzed over 100 CCTV cameras, tracing the suspects’ movements from the dhaba to the jewelry stores. The CCTV footage revealed clear images of the suspects while shopping.
Meerut Police Take Swift Action
On December 4, after Sunil reached Mumbai and reported the incident to the police, Meerut Police began their investigation. Their search led them to Bijnor, where the suspects Lavi and Arjun Karnawal reside. Late Monday night, Meerut Police, along with local Bijnor police, conducted raids at several locations.
While the suspects were not immediately apprehended, the police detained six youths believed to be their associates. Investigations into the criminal history of Lavi and Arjun are ongoing.
Sunil Pal Shares His Experience
After being released by the kidnappers, Sunil Pal was left in Meerut. He traveled back to Mumbai, where he informed his fans and authorities about the harrowing incident through social media. Sunil expressed gratitude for his safety but was visibly shaken by the experience.
Police Appeal for Cooperation
The Meerut Police have urged the public to assist in locating the suspects. They are confident that Lavi and Arjun will soon be arrested, bringing the case to a close.
Rising Concerns About Safety
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public figures traveling for work. Sunil’s ordeal highlights the need for enhanced security measures and awareness among artists and performers traveling to remote locations.
Meerut Police’s swift action in this case has been commendable, and the investigation continues to unravel more details about the suspects’ background and motives.
