IAS Coaching Academy Director Kidnapped, Forced to Transfer Rs 1.89 Crore in Bhopal

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhopal, May 3, 2026: The director of a Delhi-based IAS coaching academy was allegedly kidnapped, held hostage for nearly four hours and forced at gunpoint to transfer Rs 1.89 crore online in Bhopal, police said.

The accused, identified as Priyank Sharma, who operated a franchise of the academy in Bhopal, allegedly lured Shubhra Ranjan, director of Shubhra Ranjan IAS Academy, to the city on the pretext of expanding the institute and conducting seminars.

According to police, Sharma picked up the victim from a five-star hotel on Wednesday afternoon and took her to a rented flat in Bagsewaniya, where armed men allegedly held her and her associates captive. The accused reportedly threatened them with death and forced them to transfer Rs 1.89 crore into accounts linked to “Janakshila Society” and “RS Enterprises”.

Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Singh said the accused allegedly organised a Sundarkand recital at the flat to mask any cries for help during the incident. The victim was also allegedly forced to record a staged video to intimidate her from approaching police.

A complaint was filed by Santosh Kumar, a resident of Delhi, following which the Bhopal Crime Branch launched an investigation and conducted raids at multiple locations in the city.

Police said Sharma, son of a retired BHEL official, allegedly planned the extortion believing the academy director possessed substantial wealth. As police closed in, he allegedly attempted to evade arrest by getting admitted to the ICU of AIIMS Bhopal, pretending to be seriously ill.

However, Crime Branch officials arrested him from the hospital after doctors confirmed his condition was stable. Five of his associates were also arrested based on his interrogation, while three others remain absconding.

Police have seized a vehicle, mobile phones and an illegal pistol allegedly used in the crime. Authorities said the bank accounts into which the money was transferred were frozen within hours, and steps are being taken to return the amount to the victim.