Actor and comedian Sunil Pal has opened up about a terrifying kidnapping experience that left him traumatized. The ordeal, which began with an invitation to perform at a private event, escalated into a life-threatening situation as he was held hostage for 24 hours and forced to pay a ransom for his release.
Kidnapped En Route to Event
Sunil Pal revealed that he was invited to perform at a birthday party inside a five-star hotel in Haridwar on December 2. The event organizers paid him 50% of his fee in advance and sent a car to pick him up from the airport. However, the journey took a sinister turn.
“One hour into the ride, I was shifted to another vehicle, blindfolded, and told that I had been kidnapped. I was held by a group of 7-8 people, some of whom were drunk and shouting at me,” he said. The kidnappers claimed to be armed and threatened his life, demanding ₹20 lakh as ransom.
Ransom and Release
Sunil Pal described how he contacted friends in Mumbai to gather funds, managing to pay ₹7.5–8 lakh for his release. The kidnappers eventually left him on the Delhi-Meerut road with only ₹20,000 for his journey home. His wife, Sarita, had already sought police intervention after he went missing on December 4.
Fear for Family’s Safety
Although the police have urged him to file a formal complaint, Sunil Pal remains hesitant due to trauma and fear for his family. “They didn’t give me direct threats but said they would harm my family if I took any action,” he said.
A Career Marred by Tragedy
Sunil Pal, known for his rise to fame as the winner of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2005, has entertained millions with his comedic talent. He has also appeared in films like Phir Hera Pheri, Apna Sapna Money Money, and Bombay to Goa.
The incident has left him shaken, as he described it as “the worst 24 hours of my life.” He has requested time and space to recover from the traumatic experience.
Police Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the incident, and efforts are being made to identify the perpetrators. The entertainment industry has expressed shock and solidarity with the comedian, with many calling for stricter safety measures for public figures during private events.
Sources By Agencies
