The Uttar Pradesh Police have successfully apprehended the mastermind behind a notorious kidnapping gang that targeted celebrities, including actor Mushtaq Khan and comedian Sunil Pal. The accused, Lavi Pal, also known as Rahul Saini, was arrested following an encounter on the night of December 22-23 in Bijnor, during which he sustained injuries.

According to Bijnor Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Jha, the incident began on October 15, when Lavi Pal, posing as Rahul Saini, invited actor Mushtaq Khan to an event in Meerut. Pal allegedly offered Khan an advance of Rs 25,000 along with a flight ticket for the event, which was scheduled for November 20. However, once Khan arrived in Delhi and was picked up for the event, he was taken to Bijnor under the false pretence of attending a gathering.