Police Thwart Kidnapping Plot, Arrest Cousin Mastermind in Bijnor

Police in Bijnor have arrested a man accused of masterminding the kidnapping of his 11-year-old cousin, Shashank Shikhar. The suspect, Gaurav, along with accomplices, sought ransom to release mortgaged land. Despite a shootout and two accomplices escaping, police rescued the boy and seized weaponry.

Bijnor police have successfully rescued an 11-year-old boy kidnapped by his cousin following an elaborate ransom plot. The kidnapping took place as Shashank Shikhar was returning from school, said Superintendent of Police Abhishek Kumar.

The police arrested one kidnapper, Arjun Tomar, who disclosed that the plan was orchestrated by Shashank's cousin, Gaurav, to reclaim land mortgaged by Gaurav's father to Ashutosh Chauhan. The police tracked and intercepted the kidnappers' SUV, leading to a shootout in which Gaurav was injured.

While Gaurav's two accomplices escaped, the police recovered firearms and the vehicle involved. Investigations continue to apprehend the remaining suspects as authorities commend the police force's swift action.

(With inputs from agencies.)