Surat Hotel Suicide: Saree Trader Kidnapped, Extorted 40 Lakhs, Last Call to Wife

A young man mysteriously fell from the fourth floor of a hotel in the Dindoli area of Surat, resulting in his death. Initially unidentified, the police were baffled by the case. However, upon reaching his family, the truth revealed that the deceased was a textile trader from Pune. He had been kidnapped by four textile traders from Surat, who then held him hostage in the hotel while demanding a ransom of 40 lakh rupees. Frustrated, the trader committed suicide by jumping from the bathroom window. The entire incident was captured on CCTV. Based on a complaint from the trader’s wife, the Dindoli police have filed a case of extortion against the four textile traders and are conducting further investigations.

Rakesh Pancharam Chaudhary’s Background

Rakesh Pancharam Chaudhary, a 35-year-old originally from Rajasthan, lived with his family in Pune, Maharashtra. His family includes his parents, wife, and a six-year-old daughter. Rakesh had married Pooja eight years ago. He ran a textile business under the name Padmavati Collection and was involved in textile trading across various locations including Surat and Karnataka.

Abduction and Extortion

On August 6, Rakesh left his home for Madurai, Tamil Nadu, for a flight. He informed his wife at 11:30 AM that four individuals—Sushil Joshi, Harish, Gautam, and Jayesh—had forcibly taken him to Surat instead of the airport. He canceled his trip to Madurai. Later, he told his wife that these men were demanding 40 lakh rupees, threatening that he must arrange the money.

Desperate Plea for Money

Rakesh, in a fearful tone, told his wife that they were in Mumbai and demanded 40 lakh rupees. Pooja asked how she could manage such a large amount in one day. Harish, who spoke on the phone, insisted that the money must be arranged. Despite Pooja’s pleas, Harish threatened that Rakesh would not be harmed as long as the money was provided.

Continued Threats and Final Calls

On August 7, Pooja called Rakesh, asking for more time to arrange the money. Rakesh insisted that 40 lakh rupees had to be arranged somehow. The next day, Rakesh told Pooja that if the full amount couldn’t be arranged, half the amount should be provided. He expressed that it was his last call and urged Pooja to find the money.

Tragic Outcome and Discovery

Pooja, distressed by the situation, tried repeatedly to reach Rakesh but found his phone switched off. On August 9, she was informed by the police about Rakesh’s death. Overwhelmed by the news, Pooja collapsed. She and her relatives arrived in Surat on August 10.

Incident Captured on CCTV

Rakesh was held captive in Room 104 of Hotel Delight Inn in the Dindoli area since August 7. The four abductors had forcibly brought him from Pune and demanded a ransom. On August 8, Rakesh jumped from the bathroom window of the hotel, resulting in his death. The incident was captured on CCTV.

Family’s Loss and Investigation

Pooja has filed a complaint against the four individuals for extortion. The complaint also mentions that they withdrew 40,000 rupees from Rakesh’s ATM card. The Dindoli police are investigating further. The family is grieving the loss, especially Rakesh’s young daughter, who has lost her father and the family’s support.

Postmortem and Funeral Arrangements

Rakesh’s body was moved to the Civil Hospital on August 8. Postmortem procedures were conducted after 48 hours. Pooja and her family arrived on the evening of August 10. Rakesh, who left home on August 6, will be returned to his family on August 11.