Overview
- The 27-year-old, identified as Venkatesh, was confronted late on February 3 at the Gangavathi bus terminus after he escorted a neighbor and her child.
- Assailants allegedly seized his phone, forced him onto a two-wheeler, took him to an isolated spot, beat him with bottles and footwear, and recorded a coerced ‘love confession’.
- The victim told police he was made to state he had a relationship with a minor and that Rs 550 was taken from him before he sought hospital treatment and filed a complaint.
- An FIR names several accused, including Azmeer, Khajafeer/Khaja Peer, Indrawali/Indravali and Amir, with BNS sections covering kidnapping, rioting, attempt to murder, and dacoity.
- Koppal SP Ram L. Arasiddi confirmed four arrests, the woman’s family backed Venkatesh’s peacemaker role of 15 years’ acquaintance, and police noted ongoing reconciliation talks.