A Honeytrap incident in Lathi has come to light in Gujarat’s Amreli district, where a middle-aged man has alleged that he was lured into a planned trap, kidnapped, assaulted, and forced to transfer money after offering a lift to a woman on the roadside. Police have registered a case against five individuals and launched an investigation into the incident.
According to the complaint filed with the police, the victim claims he became the target of a well-planned extortion scheme that exploited his willingness to help a stranger.
Man Was Travelling to Meet His Daughter
The incident reportedly involved Vitthalbhai Tadhani, a resident of Radalna Dadva village in the Lathi area of Amreli district. Police said he was riding his motorcycle towards Damnagar to visit his daughter when he reached Bhavani Circle in Lathi.
At that location, a woman allegedly signaled for help and requested a lift to Bhurkhiya village. Believing it to be a routine request, the man agreed to drop her at her destination.
What appeared to be a simple act of assistance, however, soon took an unexpected turn.
Stop Near Pond Led to Alleged Trap
According to the complaint, the woman asked the motorcyclist to stop near a pond close to the entrance of Bhurkhiya village, saying she wanted to take photographs.
As soon as the motorcycle came to a halt, a Swift car carrying four men reportedly arrived at the spot. The men allegedly confronted the victim and questioned why he had allowed the woman to ride on his motorcycle.
The confrontation quickly escalated, with the group allegedly attempting to intimidate the man before forcing him into their vehicle.
Victim Claims He Was Kidnapped and Threatened
The complainant told police that he was taken to an undisclosed location in the car against his will. During the journey, he alleged that the group assaulted him and issued serious threats.
According to the FIR, the accused warned him that if he refused to pay the money they demanded, they would falsely implicate him in a rape case. The alleged threat of criminal prosecution and public humiliation left the victim frightened, prompting him to comply with their demands.
Police are investigating these allegations as part of the ongoing case.
Money Allegedly Transferred Through Google Pay
The complaint states that the group initially demanded ₹2.5 lakh from the victim.
After continued threats and pressure, the man allegedly transferred ₹58,000 through Google Pay to the accused. The payment, he claimed, was made out of fear rather than by choice.
Once the money had been transferred, the victim was reportedly released.
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Police Register Case Against Five Accused
After the incident, the victim approached the Lathi Police Station and lodged a formal complaint.
Based on his statement, police have registered a case against two identified individuals—Nilesh Gauswami and Shyam—as well as three other unidentified persons. In total, five people have been named or included in the investigation.
Investigators are now working to verify the sequence of events, identify all those involved, examine digital payment records, and collect other evidence related to the alleged extortion.
Honeytrap Cases Continue to Raise Concerns
The Honeytrap incident in Lathi highlights a pattern seen in several parts of the country, where criminals allegedly use staged interactions involving women to trap unsuspecting victims. In many such cases, the victim is accused of misconduct and then threatened with false criminal complaints unless money is paid.
Law enforcement agencies often advise people to remain cautious when approached by strangers in unfamiliar situations. While helping someone in need is a natural response, officials recommend exercising discretion and contacting local authorities if a situation appears suspicious or suddenly changes.
Victims of extortion or intimidation are also encouraged to report incidents to the police without delay. Prompt reporting can help investigators trace suspects, preserve digital evidence, and prevent similar crimes from affecting others.
The investigation into the alleged honeytrap and extortion case in Lathi is currently underway, and police have not announced any arrests in connection with the matter at this stage. Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
