Police are also investigating an audio clip in which Sunil Pal is said to be discussing the kidnapping plan. (File)
Meerut:
Two people have been arrested and are being questioned by Meerut police in connection with the alleged kidnapping and extortion of comedian Sunil Pal.
Sunil Pal's wife today visited the Lal Kurti police station in Meerut with three lawyers to inquire about the case.
Last week, Sunil Pal claimed that he was kidnapped while he was on his way to Uttarakhand for a show. He alleged that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs 20 lakh, but he managed to secure his release after paying Rs 8 lakh, which he collected from some friends. The comedian said he was dropped off on the side of a road in Meerut, from where he went to Delhi airport and flew to Mumbai.
The Santa Cruz police in Mumbai had initially registered a case of kidnapping and extortion based on Sunil Pal's complaint, but later handed over the investigation to their counterparts in Meerut.
“The kidnapping case of comedian Sunil Pal has been transferred from Mumbai to Meerut. While the case was initially registered in Mumbai, Meerut police will now also investigate the case,” Superintendent of Police (Meerut City) Ayush Vikram Singh told PTI on Wednesday.
He added that two suspects are currently in custody and being questioned while further investigations are underway.
Police are also investigating an audio clip that surfaced online, in which Sunil Pal allegedly discusses the kidnapping plan with an unknown person, mentioning that his wife was aware of the situation and that the event was discussed in the media.
Sunil Pal's wife Sarita claimed that the viral audio clip was edited.
“The audio is incomplete, it has been cut and edited. Sunil was intimidated before the audio was recorded. Once the suspects are apprehended, the situation will become clear,” she told reporters.
About the ransom, she said, “Initially, Rs 20 lakh was demanded, but we gave them Rs 8 lakh. Later, Sunil called some friends to seek help.” She said that Sunil Pal is currently at home but is not feeling well. So she came to Meerut to meet the police.
When asked about any connection with the recent kidnapping case of Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan, Sarita said she had no knowledge of it.
Mushtaq Khan, best known for his roles in 'Welcome', 'Stree 2' and 'Gadar 2', also alleged that he was kidnapped and extorted on the pretext of being invited to an event in Meerut last month. An FIR in that case was filed in Bijnor district on Tuesday and the matter is being investigated by the police.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
