Woman Arrested in Bengaluru for Extorting Mutt Seer and Demanding Rs 1 Crore More
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru has made a significant arrest in a high-profile extortion case, apprehending a woman accused of extorting Rs 4.5 lakh from a Tumakuru mutt seer and later escalating her demands to a staggering Rs 1 crore. The accused, identified as Spoorthi, hails from Chikkamagaluru and is in her late 20s. This arrest follows a formal complaint lodged by the seer on January 18, which prompted a swift investigation by the authorities.
Details of the Alleged Extortion Scheme
According to the complaint filed with the police, the extortion plot began in August when Spoorthi first contacted the seer by phone. She allegedly posed as a recent graduate from a Tumakuru college, claiming to be struggling with unemployment and seeking a job in Bengaluru. This initial contact was reportedly a ruse to establish communication with the seer.
Over time, the situation took a sinister turn. Spoorthi is accused of sending the seer audio clips that were circulating on social media, using them as leverage to blackmail him. She allegedly threatened to tarnish his image by spreading false information if he did not comply with her monetary demands. This psychological pressure reportedly had a severe impact on the seer, with police noting that the continuous harassment adversely affected his health.
Escalation of Demands and Financial Transactions
Police investigations reveal that Spoorthi successfully extorted Rs 4.5 lakh from the seer through multiple online transfers. However, the demands did not stop there. Over the past month, she and her associates allegedly escalated their extortion attempts, demanding an additional Rs 1 crore from the seer. A deadline of January 5 was set for this payment, further intensifying the pressure on the victim.
The use of online transfers in this case highlights the modern methods employed in such crimes, making it easier for perpetrators to receive funds while complicating traceability. The CCB's intervention was crucial in halting this escalating financial exploitation.
Legal Actions and Charges Filed
In response to the seer's complaint, the CCB has booked Spoorthi under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Section 308: Pertaining to extortion, which covers the act of obtaining property or valuable security through coercion or threat.
- Section 351: Related to criminal intimidation, involving threats of injury to person, reputation, or property.
- Section 61: Addressing criminal conspiracy, which involves planning or agreeing to commit an offense.
These charges underscore the serious nature of the allegations, combining elements of financial crime, intimidation, and premeditated illegal activity. The CCB's prompt action in this case demonstrates their commitment to tackling such offenses in the region.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by religious figures and public personalities in the digital age. The alleged use of social media audio clips for blackmail points to the growing trend of leveraging online content for malicious purposes. It also raises concerns about the safety and security of individuals who hold prominent positions in society.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of such crimes. Authorities encourage victims of similar extortion or blackmail attempts to come forward, as early intervention can prevent further harm and financial loss.
As the investigation continues, the CCB is likely to delve deeper into the involvement of Spoorthi's associates and the full extent of their activities. This case may also prompt discussions on strengthening legal frameworks to address evolving forms of cyber-enabled extortion and intimidation.
