Former BJP district chief alleges honeytrap attack:Woman lured him, gang abducted, assaulted and forced extortion in forest

A former Bharatiya Janata Party district president, Deepak Sharma, has alleged that he was abducted, assaulted, and blackmailed in a honeytrap-style operation while travelling from Bhopal to Rajgarh. “While returning from Bhopal to Rajgarh, a known woman asked for a lift on the highway. As soon as I stopped the car, 7–8 people surrounded me. They took me to a forest. I was beaten for three hours. My watch, ring, locket, mobile phone, and cash were snatched. They demanded ₹20 lakh. I arranged ₹61,000 from home and gave cheques of ₹1.5 lakh each. Despite this, they tore my clothes, made my nude video, and threatened to circulate it,” Sharma said. Allegations of kidnapping and extortion using honeytrap tactic According to Sharma, the woman—reportedly an anganwadi worker—along with her lover and associates, allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping and extortion. He claimed that he was threatened continuously and forced to contact his family members for money. He further stated that due to fear, his family transferred ₹61,000, while additional money was later withdrawn from his ATM account. The accused also allegedly forced him to sign cheques worth ₹1.5 lakh each. Forest assault and looting of valuables Police officials said the incident took place on May 10 when Sharma was travelling on the Kurawar–Narsinghgarh highway. A woman flagged down his vehicle, and soon after, several men emerged and forcibly took control of the car. The victim was allegedly taken to a forest area in Sehore district, where he was beaten, robbed of jewellery, cash, ATM card, and other belongings. The accused also used his ATM card to withdraw around ₹60,000 through a kiosk. Seven arrested, goods worth ₹5.97 lakh recovered Superintendent of Police Amit Tolani confirmed that Sharma initially did not report the incident immediately due to fear. He later filed an FIR on May 12. Following investigation and CCTV analysis, police identified the female accused and uncovered the wider gang network operating from Sehore district. Seven accused have been arrested, including Deva Vanshkar, Ravindra Jeet Dagar, Adnan Khan, Krishna Yadav, Tarun Mevada, Ritik Valmiki, and Manju Prajapati. Police have recovered property worth ₹5.97 lakh. Case registered under kidnapping and dacoity charges Police said a case has been registered under serious sections including dacoity, kidnapping, and wrongful confinement. Since more than five accused were involved, dacoity charges have been applied in the case. Further investigation is underway.