Petrol Pump Owner in Himachal Pradesh Faces Second Ransom Threat via WhatsApp

Threatening Calls Raise Alarm in Una District

Una: A petrol station proprietor in the Bangana area of Una district, Himachal Pradesh, has reported receiving a second ransom demand through WhatsApp from an unknown caller. The individual, identified as Vinod Kumar, also known as Senti, has lodged a formal complaint at the local police station.

In his report, Vinod Kumar stated that the anonymous caller demanded a sum of Rs 50 lakh, threatening dire consequences if the request was not fulfilled. This marks the second instance of such a threatening communication, heightening concerns regarding his safety and suggesting a potential extortion scheme.

The police have initiated an investigation and are actively working to trace the source of the call. Cybercrime experts may be enlisted to aid in the technical aspects of the inquiry.

As per the details provided in his complaint, Vinod Kumar had previously received threatening calls on May 24 and 25, 2025. Most recently, on June 15, he was threatened again through an audio call from an unidentified WhatsApp number. However, he only discovered the message on the evening of June 16 after activating his phone's internet, where he found a missed audio call.

During the WhatsApp call, the caller threatened Vinod Kumar, stating, “I have complete information about you. I know where you live and what you do.” The caller then insisted on the Rs 50 lakh payment, warning that failure to comply would lead to severe repercussions.

Rakesh Singh, the Superintendent of Police in Una, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on collecting evidence against the suspect, after which a targeted operation will be executed.