Bengaluru: A 40-year-old man allegedly staged his own kidnapping with the help of two friends and demanded Rs 90 lakh from his father, prompting a police investigation that led officers to a house near Belur in Hassan district.

The incident came to light after the man’s father received a WhatsApp call claiming that his son had been abducted and that the kidnappers would harm him if the ransom was not paid. The Rajarajeshwari Nagar police investigated the complaint and eventually traced the alleged victim to Hassan district, where he was found staying with the two men who were allegedly involved in the plan.

Police said the three men were arrested in connection with the case. The investigation indicated that the alleged kidnapping was staged to obtain money from the man’s father to deal with a financial debt.

Man allegedly leaves Bengaluru before fake kidnapping call

According to the police account, the man, identified as Manish in reports, left his Bengaluru home after telling his parents that he had to travel to Gadag in connection with a financial transaction.

There are slight differences in published reports regarding the exact date of his departure, with reports placing it on September 28 or September 29. Police said he subsequently travelled to the Belur area of Hassan district instead of carrying out the trip as described to his family.

The family became concerned when they did not hear from him as expected.

On the following morning, the family received a WhatsApp call from his mobile phone. The caller allegedly claimed that Manish had been kidnapped and demanded Rs 90 lakh for his release.

The caller also allegedly threatened that the man would be killed if the ransom was not paid, according to the police account reported by news organisations.

Father approaches Rajarajeshwari Nagar police

The man’s father, identified in reports as Manohar Patil, a 62-year-old businessman, approached the Rajarajeshwari Nagar police after receiving the ransom demand.

A case was registered based on his complaint, following which police began efforts to identify the alleged kidnappers and locate the missing man.

Investigators initially attempted to track the mobile phone used by Manish. Police found that the phone had subsequently been switched off. Another number was later reportedly used to contact the family and check whether the ransom money had been arranged.

This provided investigators with another lead in the case.

Technical surveillance leads police to Hassan

The investigation then relied on technical surveillance to trace the phone numbers connected with the alleged ransom calls.

Police followed the location of one of the numbers and traced it to a house in a village near Belur in Hassan district.

When police reached the location, they reportedly found Manish inside the house along with two of his friends. The discovery indicated that the alleged kidnapping had not taken place as initially reported to the family.

According to the police, questioning of the three men revealed that they had allegedly planned the kidnapping drama themselves. Two friends were reportedly involved as accomplices, while Manish allegedly acted as the supposed victim.

Rs 90 lakh demand linked to financial problems

Police said the alleged motive was connected to Manish’s financial difficulties.

According to the investigation, he had reportedly lost money in another business transaction and was facing pressure to repay the debt. Police alleged that he then devised a plan with his two friends to obtain Rs 90 lakh from his father by making the family believe that he had been kidnapped.

The ransom demand was therefore allegedly intended to provide the money required to address his financial liabilities.

The police investigation is continuing to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy and the roles played by the three accused.

Police uncover alleged kidnapping conspiracy

The case highlights how technical surveillance can help investigators trace ransom calls and verify claims of abduction.

What initially appeared to be a kidnapping case involving a substantial ransom demand changed direction after police traced the communication used by the alleged kidnappers. The discovery of the supposed victim at a house in Hassan district, along with his two friends, led investigators to treat the incident as an alleged staged kidnapping.

Police said the three men were taken into custody following the discovery. Further investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events, the financial dealings that allegedly preceded the incident and the precise roles of each accused.

The allegations remain part of the ongoing criminal investigation, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proved guilty through due legal process.

Investigation continues

The Rajarajeshwari Nagar police are continuing their investigation into the alleged extortion attempt.

Investigators are expected to examine the communications between the accused and the family, the movement of the men from Bengaluru to Hassan district and the financial circumstances that allegedly prompted the ransom demand.

The case also demonstrates the seriousness with which police respond to claims involving kidnapping and ransom. A complaint involving a demand of Rs 90 lakh triggered a detailed investigation, eventually leading police to the location where the alleged victim was staying.

Conclusion

A Bengaluru man allegedly staged his own kidnapping with two friends and sought Rs 90 lakh from his father, according to police. The Rajarajeshwari Nagar police traced the alleged victim to a house near Belur in Hassan district through technical surveillance. Police said the alleged plan was linked to financial losses and debt, and the investigation is continuing.