Bengaluru : Six people, including four women, have been arrested for allegedly assaulting employees at a spa and salon in Vidyaranyapura and extorting Rs 1 lakh from its owner by posing as members of an organisation and media representatives, police said on October 17.
According to the police, the group visited the establishment, questioned employees over alleged illegal activities and threatened to publicise accusations against the business on social media. The incident reportedly took place on the night of October 3.
The accused allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh from the spa owner and forcibly collected Rs 1 lakh before leaving the premises. The case came to light after the owner, a resident of Sai Nagar, filed a complaint at Vidyaranyapura police station on October 4.
Group allegedly threatened and assaulted employees
According to the complaint, the spa and salon is located on Vidyaranyapura Main Road in Nanjappa Layout. The six individuals allegedly entered the premises and confronted the staff over claims of illegal activities.
During the confrontation, they allegedly assaulted employees and threatened to damage the establishment’s reputation by circulating allegations on social media. Police said the group used these threats to pressure the owner into paying money.
The complainant alleged that the group demanded Rs 5 lakh but took Rs 1 lakh before leaving. The incident prompted the registration of a case at Vidyaranyapura police station.
The allegations are under investigation, and the accused will be dealt with according to the applicable legal procedures.
Police arrest six suspects
Following the complaint, police launched an investigation and pursued leads to identify those involved. Investigators gathered information through various sources before apprehending the six suspects near K R Circle on October 6.
The arrested individuals include four women and two men. Police said the suspects were questioned during the investigation and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
The arrests followed efforts to trace the group allegedly involved in the assault and extortion. The investigation is intended to establish the circumstances of the incident and the roles of the individual suspects.
Cash and vehicles seized
During the investigation, police seized Rs 80,000 in cash, seven mobile phones, a car and a two-wheeler allegedly connected to the offence.
The seized items form part of the investigation into the alleged extortion and assault. Police are examining the evidence gathered in the case as they proceed with the legal process.
The case highlights the importance of verifying the identity and authority of people who visit commercial establishments claiming to represent organisations or media outlets, particularly when they make allegations and demand money.
Businesses facing such threats can report the matter to the police rather than complying with coercive demands. Any allegations of unlawful activity at an establishment must be addressed through the appropriate legal channels, rather than intimidation or violence.
The six accused have been remanded to judicial custody, police said. They remain accused in the case, and the allegations will be subject to the legal process.