Jaisalmer: Barmer Sadar police, with assistance from the Balotra District Special Team (DST), arrested a 33-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man in connection with the alleged honey-trap abduction of a youth and a Rs 20 lakh ransom demand.The accused, Pushpa Vishnoi, a homemaker from Dhorimanna, and Prakash Jat, were arrested in Balotra after allegedly evading police by moving through Bikaner, Jodhpur and Nagaur.According to Barmer superintendent of police Chunaram Jat, a Dhorimanna resident lodged a complaint on Aug 21, alleging that Pushpa took him on the pretext of renting a vehicle on Aug 20. She allegedly took him to an isolated spot on the Lungi Nadi-Mukne Ki Dhani road, where Prakash and two associates joined them.The accused allegedly assaulted and stripped the victim, recorded photos and videos, and threatened to kill him. They allegedly abducted him in a Scorpio and demanded Rs 20 lakh ransom. Police said they also took his gold ornament, mobile phone, vehicle documents, car keys and Rs 11,580 cash.The victim allegedly escaped from the Scorpio when he got the opportunity. His Swift car was also damaged after being pushed into a rocky area, police said.Investigators said Pushpa allegedly befriended affluent young men through social media before luring them to isolated locations.Police suspect the accused may have similarly targeted others. Two alleged accomplices, Hanumanram Jat and Sunil alias Prakash Jat, are absconding.Police said Pushpa and Prakash were friends and allegedly identified ‘soft targets’ for the racket. The victim had reportedly been in contact with them for around a month before the incident.
