Overview
- The staged kidnapping occurred on June 15 when a private security agency owner and his driver were intercepted near Kuduregere Colony and robbed of a total Rs 1.09 crore.
- Police arrested five suspects between June 20 and June 24, identifying the driver M Chethan among those held and recovering Rs 85.5 lakh, two cars, three mobile phones and a toy pistol.
- Investigators say the driver tipped off associates about the large cash movements, enabling the gang to abduct the victims, take Rs 74 lakh from the car and coerce the family to hand over an additional Rs 35 lakh.
- Authorities are tracing five remaining alleged conspirators and are questioning the complainant while probing whether the full Rs 1.09 crore is linked to other offences.
- Investigators relied on call-detail records and technical intelligence to link suspects and find hidden cash at relatives’ homes, and police warn further legal action could follow if the funds prove to be proceeds of crime.