Smartwatch Helps Gwalior Hotel Manager Escape Kidnappers; Two Arrested

Gwalior: A hotel manager from Gwalior narrowly escaped a kidnapping incident thanks to a smartwatch that helped him alert his family and the police. Saurabh Sharma, 25, who works as a hotel manager in Haridwar, was recently at his hometown when he was abducted by local moneylenders over unpaid debt.

Kidnapped Over Loan Dispute
According to the police, Saurabh had borrowed ₹2.9 lakh from moneylenders Hemant Sharma alias Chhotu Tyagi and Sachin Tyagi. Although he had already repaid ₹3.2 lakh, the lenders claimed additional money through compounded interest, raising the total demand to ₹6 lakh, and threatened him.

Abduction and Confinement
The accused reportedly approached Saurabh near his home and tried to coerce him onto a motorcycle. When he refused, they forcibly took him to Sachin Tyagi’s residence, where he was confined in a room and beaten for failing to repay the alleged debt.

Smartwatch Comes to the Rescue
While trapped, Saurabh noticed Sachin Tyagi’s smartwatch nearby. Using it, he called his girlfriend, explained the situation, shared his location, and pleaded for help. She immediately contacted Saurabh’s father, who rushed to the police.

Police Intervention and Arrests
Gwalior police acted swiftly, taking Hemant Sharma into custody and pressuring him to facilitate the release of Saurabh. Under police pressure, Sachin Tyagi freed Saurabh, who was rescued unharmed. Both accused were subsequently arrested and sent to jail.

Police Statement
Gwalior Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Krishan Pal Singh confirmed the arrests. He said, “This case involves illegal lending and extortion through exorbitant interest. Two youths had confined a man over a debt dispute. Based on the victim’s complaint, both have been arrested and sent to judicial custody.”