Rishabh Nahata, the son of city builder Mukesh Nahata, burst into the home of a Surat businessman on Oct 1, 2023 with two friends. The daughter was absent, yet Nahata confronted the father, accusing him of refusing to engage with her. A heated exchange followed, culminating in the trio seizing the businessman at gunpoint.
Police traced the suspects to the City Light area within hours, where they apprehended Nahata, Dev Ketan Ahir, and Laxman Rathod. Dev, a friend of Nahata, held the pistol used, while Rathod, employed in the builder’s office, had a prior criminal record.
Investigation revealed that Nahata and the businessman’s daughter were in a relationship that had soured when she cut ties. Nahata alleged she had verbally abused another female associate, prompting his visit to the family home. The daughter’s abrupt withdrawal fed into his anger.
The rescued businessman was taken to a local hospital; police recovered property worth ₹41.40 lakh from the suspects. Authorities are filing charges under the Indian Penal Code for kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm. A court hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2024, where the prosecution will present evidence and seek a trial.
A local resident, who witnessed the arrest, said the incident shook the community: "We thought we were safe in our own neighborhoods, but this shows how quickly violence can erupt over personal disputes."