Bengaluru Graveyard Kidnapping: How Rs 5,000 Debt Led to Extortion and Drug Video Trap
In a shocking case of betrayal and criminal exploitation, the Banashankari police in Bengaluru have arrested four individuals for allegedly kidnapping a 28-year-old man, extorting a substantial sum of money from him, and orchestrating a sinister drug video trap. The incident, which unfolded in the city's JP Nagar area, reveals how a seemingly minor financial dispute over a Rs 5,000 loan escalated into a grave criminal act involving violence and intimidation.
Details of the Kidnapping and Extortion
According to police officials, the victim, identified as Nithin Gowda from Thyagarajanagar, was abducted on January 24 around 6:30 PM. The accused, traveling in an autorickshaw, forcibly took him to a secluded graveyard in JP Nagar. At this eerie location, they demanded the password to Gowda's mobile phone. When he resisted, he was reportedly assaulted, compelling him to comply. The attackers then proceeded to transfer Rs 47,000 from his bank account and stole a valuable gold chain weighing 29 grams, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 4 lakh.
The Sinister Drug Video Trap
In a further twist to this harrowing ordeal, the accused later handed Gowda a white cover, falsely claiming it contained illegal narcotics. They recorded a video of him with this item, threatening to use it to falsely implicate him in a drug-related case if he dared to report the incident to the authorities. This calculated move was designed to silence the victim and prevent him from seeking justice. Gowda was eventually released around 11:30 PM, but the psychological trauma of the experience lingered.
Police Action and Arrests
The following day, an FIR was registered under sections 309(3) for extortion and 309(4) for robbery of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police swiftly acted, arresting four men identified as Nihar from Bannerghatta, and Santhosh, Madhu, and Manjunath, all residents of JP Nagar. During the investigation, authorities recovered Rs 39,000 from the arrested individuals. Nihar, who runs a samosa outlet in Bannerghatta, was revealed to have a prior acquaintance with Gowda, spanning about two years, during which they had discussed business ventures and engaged in financial transactions.
Root Cause: A Rs 5,000 Debt
The police investigation uncovered that the entire incident stemmed from a debt of Rs 5,000. Approximately 20 days before the kidnapping, Gowda had lent this amount to Nihar. On the fateful day, Nihar lured Gowda to Banashankari 2nd Stage under the pretense of repaying the loan. Instead, he allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping and extortion, betraying their friendship for criminal gain. This case highlights how personal disputes over small sums can spiral into serious crimes, endangering lives and property.
Ongoing Investigation and Implications
Further investigation is currently underway to uncover all aspects of this case, including any potential accomplices or additional motives. The police are also examining the dynamics of the financial dealings between Gowda and Nihar, which involved frequent borrowing and repayment. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in personal and financial relationships, urging citizens to exercise caution and report suspicious activities promptly.
The arrest of these four men underscores the diligence of the Bengaluru police in tackling such heinous crimes and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice. As the case progresses, it will likely shed more light on the methods used by criminals to exploit trust and commit extortion in urban settings like Bengaluru.
