Gujarat | Viral video of Indian-origin woman residing in Israel helps arrest lady from ‘Godmother’ Santokben’s clan: Report

An online video posted earlier this month by an Indian-origin woman residing in Israel has resulted in a high-profile arrest in the Porbandar district of Gujarat.

The woman, Leelu Kuchhadiya, claimed in the video that her father Bhana Odedara, husband Bhanu, and teenage son Ranjit had been kidnapped by Hiralba Jadeja, a member of a politically influential family of Kutiyana, and were being held hostage.

Initially, the three men arrived at a police station to deny the allegations made by her, but in a twist, Leelu's father, Bhana Odedara, came back to the police on April 30 to verify the abduction and corroborate the video's accusations, as per report by The Indian Express.

Bhana, aged 65, informed the police that he, his son-in-law, a relative, and his grandson were forcibly brought to Hiralba's house and held captive for more than two weeks. According to his statement, Hiralba accused the family of not returning the money they borrowed from Hiralba. When Bhana claimed not to know about the debt, Hiralba allegedly made a video call to Leelu asking for the money directly. The FIR states that Bhana and Bhanu were beaten, forced to call family members for money, and compelled to sign 11 blank cheques. The accused also allegedly stole jewellery from their house.

The complaint narrates that the kidnapping happened at intervening night of April 10 and 11, when four or five men visited their house in Kuchhadi village and coerced Bhana, Bhanu, and Gigi into going with them to Hiralba's bungalow, Suraj Palace. Gigi was permitted to return home the following day, while Bhana and Bhanu were kept captive. A few days later, Ranjit too was taken to the bungalow.

After the video posted by Leelu grew in popularity and caught the attention of law enforcement, the accused allegedly sent Bhana and Bhanu to the police station to make a statement under duress, which is why they first denied the allegations. Upon reaching home, Bhana consulted relatives and decided to report the incident formally.

Porbandar Superintendent of Police Bhagirathsinh U Jadeja confirmed that Hiralba Jadeja had been arrested for the crimes of abduction, extortion, and criminal intimidation. Two brothers, Hitesh and Vijay Bhima Odedara, and many other unidentified individuals have also been accused in the FIR. According to the SP, investigations are on, and there will be further arrests.

Hiralba Jadeja is the wife of deceased MLA Bhura Munja Jadeja and cousin of present MLA Kandhal Jadeja of Kutiyana. Kandhal is the son of the deceased gangster Sarman Munja Jadeja and Santokben, the notorious woman who was once dubbed Porbandar's "Godmother."

Police are yet to confirm if Leelu did indeed borrow the cash, but police officials are urging other possible victims to come forward as well.