Kanpur: Two masked men allegedly held BJP Pichhda Morcha state secretary Ramesh Yadav hostage at his farmhouse in Kanpur and robbed him of Rs 12 lakh in cash, jewellery and a watch on Monday night.
Yadav said his servant, Abhay Rajput, served him food and left around 10.45 pm. About 15 minutes later, two men entered, with one pressing a country-made pistol against his chest and the other carrying a bottle of petrol. They initially demanded Rs 2 crore before taking Rs 12 lakh from a locker and snatching his gold chain, ring and Rado watch, Yadav said.
They then bound him tightly and left him with a towel and a water bottle.
Earlier reporting noted: Joint commissioner of police (law and order) Vipin Tada said police had received a complaint reporting a robbery of ₹ 12 lakh and were taking steps to register a case. His follower, Abhay Rajput, said he reached the farmhouse around 11:30 pm.
Investigators said the robbers appeared familiar with the farmhouse. Police commissioner Raghubir Lal said eight teams were investigating the case and two suspects were being questioned. Earlier reporting noted: According to officials, eight teams have been formed under DCP (south) Dipendra Nath Chaudhary to investigate the incident. Rajput said he served Yadav his meal before going to sleep in a room near the main gate.
Police are examining details of visitors and questioning suspects. A dog squad traced a route from the garden and room to a field behind the boundary wall. Two suspects have been detained for questioning, and police are examining CCTV footage, surveillance inputs and other evidence. The four security guards — Amit, Neeraj, Phoolchandra and Balram — had been sent away for dinner.
Earlier reporting noted: Reports said Yadav returned from Lucknow on Monday night after taking charge as state secretary of the BJP’s OBC Morcha the same day.