Pune: Bibvewadi Diamond Trader Reported ‘Missing’ Amid Ransom Demand

Bibvewadi, 4th March 2025: A 47-year-old diamond trader from Bibvewadi has reportedly gone missing, with his family receiving a ransom demand of ₹2 crore on Monday evening. The Bibvewadi police are currently investigating whether the case involves abduction or a voluntary disappearance.

According to police officials, the trader did not return home by 7 PM, prompting concern among his family members. Soon after, his wife received a disturbing phone call from an unknown individual claiming to have kidnapped her husband and demanding a hefty ransom for his release.

“The trader appeared disturbed earlier that day and had settled multiple pending payments. He was last seen around 7 PM, after which his whereabouts became unclear. Shortly after, his wife received the ransom call, but the number used was switched off soon after,” said a senior police officer familiar with the case.

Authorities are yet to confirm whether this is a case of kidnapping or voluntary disappearance. Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil stated, “We are currently verifying all angles. At this stage, we cannot conclusively confirm if it is an abduction. A case will be registered once we have more clarity on the situation.”

The police have launched a search operation to trace the missing trader and are working on tracking the origin of the ransom call.