In a dramatic turn of events, Hulimavu police swiftly apprehended eight individuals involved in the abduction and robbery of a businessman and his two associates. The gang had seized 1.01 crore rupees from the victims and were attempting to extort even more. Thanks to a quick alert from the businessman’s boss, who was informed by one of the still-held captives, officers rushed to the scene, successfully rescuing all three victims and arresting the entire group within minutes.
The eight individuals now in custody have been identified as Narasimha, 34, a car driver residing in J. P. Nagar; Jeevan, 27, a gym trainer from Begur; Kishore M., 30, a laborer from Anekal; Venkataraju, 28, also from Anekal; Chandiran, 33, an autorickshaw driver from Kalasipalya; Kumar N., 36, a security guard from Anekal; Ravi Kiran, 33, another security guard from Begur; and Naman, 18, a milk seller from Ellenahalli.
Police investigations revealed that the incident began on Saturday evening when Hemanth, driver for Tumakuru-based areca nut dealer Mohan, was tasked with delivering 1.01 crore rupees. This large sum was intended for Mota Ram and his wife, Lakshmi, as part of a property transaction. Hemanth arrived at the pre-arranged location in Akshay Nagar at 6 p.m., contacting Mota Ram to finalize the cash handover, which subsequently took place inside Mota Ram’s car.
Unexpectedly, two individuals approached the car, posing as police officers and insisting on a vehicle inspection. They proceeded to photograph the three occupants, then launched an attack, attempting to snatch the cash. Despite the initial assault, the victims managed to quickly lock the car doors and drive away. However, their escape was short-lived. The assailants pursued them in a separate vehicle, intercepting and forcing them into a secluded area. Other members of the gang quickly joined, pulling the three victims from their car and confining them in a nearby shed.
While holding them captive, the perpetrators forced Hemanth to contact his employer, Mohan, demanding an additional 10 lakh rupees for their release. Upon receiving this alarming call, Mohan immediately notified the police. Coincidentally, a Hulimavu police team was already conducting an area patrol nearby. Using crucial technical intelligence, they swiftly pinpointed the shed’s location, stormed the premises, successfully liberated all three victims, recovered the stolen money, and arrested the entire eight-member gang.
Authorities are currently investigating how the accused managed to obtain insider information about the cash exchange, a key aspect that remains unclear.