Four-member gang arrested for kidnapping and robbing a technologist at knifepoint

Ashok Nagar police in Bengaluru have arrested four men suspected of kidnapping a 35-year-old man, depriving him of his Rs 1 lakh gold chain, and extorting Rs 8 lakh from him. Tarun Ganesh, age 22, of PNT Layout on Horamavu-Banaswadi Road, Vighnesh alias Vicky, age 23, of Janakirama Layout near Govindapura, Charish J, age 23, of Old Byappanahalli, and Manikantha R, age 21, of Subbannapalya, are the accused. Police have also seized a vehicle, a weapon, and a cell phone associated with the crime. On November 26, Vinayak (name changed), a resident of Seetharamapalya near Hoodi, was kidnapped. On November 30, he filed a complaint alleging that three individuals kidnapped him in a vehicle near Mayo Hall at 3 a.m. and released him at 8 p.m. after looting him. According to the police, around 2:00 a.m., Vinayak went to Brigade Road for “entertainment.” One of the kidnappers approached him and displayed several photographs of escorts on his smartphone. Vinayak expressed disinterest to the stranger. To return, he hired an autorickshaw but noticed the criminals following him in a car. When he arrived at Mayo Hall, the criminals cordoned off his vehicle, dragged him out, and bundled him into their vehicle. The gang threatened him with a machete while driving through the city. They stopped the vehicle in an open field and took his Rs 1 lakh gold chain, mobile phone, and debit cards. The gang forced him to extract cash from multiple ATMs and scan his credit and debit cards in stores. When they discovered there was no money left in his account, they compelled him to obtain additional funds from his family or acquaintances. His brother lent him two lakh rupees, which was deposited into his account. They withdrew money from a few additional ATMs and used his credit card at a few stores and gas stations. They released him around 8:00 p.m. and fled the scene. DCP (Central) R Srinivas Gowda established a special team led by inspector Srikant F Totagi to solve the case after receiving a complaint from Vinayaka. Police were able to identify the suspects based on the mobile phones they used to commit the crime. A preliminary investigation revealed that the gang had been detained on robbery charges and released on bond.