Veteran actor and comedian Mushtaq Khan, who died on September 24, 2026, had made headlines in November 2024 after he was allegedly kidnapped on his way to an event in Meerut. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore and allegedly held and tortured the actor for around 12 hours at a remote location near Bijnor.
Khan was eventually able to escape and seek help from locals. The incident later became part of a wider investigation after comedian Sunil Pal also reported a kidnapping incident.
Mushtaq Khan kidnapping: Actor was invited to Meerut for award show
According to the details of the case, Khan was invited to Meerut on November 20, 2024, on the pretext of attending an award show.
His business partner Shivam Yadav said Khan was allegedly misled into getting into a car after arriving in Delhi. He was then taken to a remote location near Bijnor, where he was allegedly held captive.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded Rs 1 crore as ransom.
Mushtaq Khan ‘tortured’ for 12 hours at remote location
Khan was allegedly kept at the location for around 12 hours and tortured by his captors.
The actor later managed to find an opportunity to escape. He reportedly heard the morning Azaan, after which he fled from the place and sought help from local residents.
The incident came to light in greater detail after Khan approached the authorities and provided evidence connected to his movements and the alleged kidnapping.
How did Mushtaq Khan escape from his kidnappers?
Khan reportedly escaped after hearing the morning Azaan. He then reached out to local people for help.
The actor had initially not filed a police complaint immediately after escaping. However, the situation changed following a similar kidnapping incident involving comedian Sunil Pal.
Khan subsequently registered an FIR in Bijnor and submitted material including flight tickets, bank transaction details and CCTV footage to assist the investigation.
Mushtaq Khan and Sunil Pal kidnapping cases: What was the connection?
The investigation into Khan’s alleged kidnapping gained attention because it came around the same period as the case involving comedian Sunil Pal.
Uttar Pradesh Police subsequently identified Lavi Pal and Arjun Karnwal as two key accused allegedly linked to both cases.
The cases were investigated alongside each other as police examined the circumstances surrounding the alleged abductions.
Mushtaq Khan kidnapping case: Four accused arrested
Uttar Pradesh Police arrested four people in connection with the case. They were identified as Sarthak Chaudhary, Sabiuddin, Azim and Shashank.
Police also reportedly recovered Rs 1 lakh from their possession during the investigation.
The arrests came as investigators continued to examine the alleged kidnapping of Khan and its links with the wider investigation into the Sunil Pal case.
Mushtaq Khan death: Actor dies at 75 in Mumbai
Mushtaq Khan died on September 24, 2026, at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, Maharashtra, after being hospitalised for around 15 days.
His death was reported by multiple news outlets, with his business partner confirming the news.
Khan was known for his work in Hindi films and television and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome. His death comes nearly two years after the alleged kidnapping case that had brought him into the news in 2024.
