Pune, Maharashtra (April 15, 2025): A businessman from Kothrud in Pune was lured to Bihar with a fake order for mining equipment worth Rs 100 crore and was later murdered. The victim, Laxman Sadhu Shinde, 55, a resident of DP Road in Kothrud, was the founder of Ratnadeep Castings. He was reportedly abducted and killed after landing at Patna airport. Police said Rs 90,000 was also withdrawn from his bank account after the murder.
According to Pune police, Shinde had received an email regarding the supply of mining machinery for a project in Jharkhand. Believing it to be a genuine business opportunity, he contacted the sender and was invited to Patna for a meeting. Shinde travelled to Patna on March 11 and informed his daughter about the trip before leaving.
After arriving at the airport, Shinde spoke to the individuals concerned and later told his family he was heading to Jharkhand to inspect the mine. However, when the family was unable to reach him despite repeated attempts, they filed a missing person complaint on April 12.
Police tracked Shinde’s phone location and found it moving through different areas known for criminal activity in Bihar. Taking the matter seriously, a team of Pune police officers went to Patna to assist in the investigation.
CCTV footage from Patna airport confirmed that Shinde was abducted soon after arrival. A joint effort by Pune police and Patna airport police led to the discovery of his body on April 14 in the Jehanabad area of Bihar.
Investigators found that the accused had withdrawn Rs 90,000 from Shinde’s bank account and deleted all data from his mobile phone. The Patna police have arrested the suspects and further investigation is underway.
Police suspect that the murder took place on April 12. The motive is still unclear.
Shinde’s body will be flown to Pune on Tuesday evening, and the last rites will be performed at the Kothrud crematorium, according to family sources
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