Kochi Police Nab Duo for Drugging and Blackmailing Minor into Jewelry Theft
In a disturbing case of exploitation, the Palluruthy police in Kochi apprehended two men on Friday for allegedly manipulating a 16-year-old student into drug addiction and coercing him to pilfer his mother's gold jewelry. The accused, identified as brothers Alfin Antony, 24, and Renfin Antony, 21, are now in custody following a comprehensive investigation.
Chilling Modus Operandi: From Friendship to Coercion
According to police reports, the Antony brothers initially befriended the minor student, gradually introducing him to narcotics. Once the teenager was addicted, the accused escalated their sinister scheme by threatening to release footage of him using drugs to his family and on social media platforms unless he complied with their financial demands.
Fearing exposure and further repercussions, the terrified student succumbed to the pressure and stole a gold anklet weighing approximately one-and-a-half sovereigns from his mother. He subsequently handed over the valuable ornament to the accused, who promptly sold it at a local jewelry store.
Investigation Unveils Broader Criminal Network
The harrowing blackmail came to light when the boy's parents questioned him about a missing mobile phone, prompting him to confess the entire ordeal. The parents immediately filed a formal complaint with the Palluruthy police station, leading to the registration of a case and the swift arrest of the Antony brothers.
Police authorities suspect that the proceeds from the sold gold anklet were intended to fund the accused's ongoing drug trade operations. Furthermore, investigators are actively probing whether other students in the area have fallen victim to similar traps set by the criminal duo.
Legal Proceedings and Police Vigilance
The arrested individuals were presented before a local court, which remanded them into custody. The successful operation was conducted under the direct supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police Latheef, with a dedicated team led by Palluruthy police station inspector Kiran C Nair.
The investigative team included sub-inspectors Sivanakutty, Ashwin Biju, and Narayanankutty, along with Assistant Sub-Inspector Biju, and Civil Police Officers Bibin and Aneesh. Police have issued a stern advisory, urging parents to remain vigilant against such predatory criminal gangs that target vulnerable youth.
Parallel Crackdown: Surprise Inspections of School Transport
In a related development underscoring heightened security measures, the Ernakulam rural police conducted extensive surprise inspections of school vehicles on the same Friday. A total of 478 vehicles were scrutinized across various subdivisions as part of this initiative.
The inspections, carried out under the directives of Range Deputy Inspector General Arul R B Krishna, were executed by special teams formed at each police station. The Aluva subdivision recorded the highest number of inspections at 138, followed by Munambam (93), Muvattupuzha (90), Puthenkurish (81), and Perumbavoor (76).
Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against any individuals found violating traffic regulations during these school transport operations. These inspections are slated to continue in the coming days to ensure the safety and compliance of all school-related vehicular movements in the region.
