Bengaluru: In a shocking case, four college students have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping their classmate using a fake gun and demanding ransom money to fund a lavish lifestyle.
The accused, who are students of Jain University, hail from Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Bengaluru. The victim, identified as Mohanty, is a native of Odisha.
Lured from hostel and abducted
According to police, the accused had meticulously planned the abduction. They allegedly lured Mohanty out of his hostel under a pretext before forcing him into a car.
The group reportedly used a fake metal gun to threaten him and took him to a room belonging to one of the accused. The use of a weapon, though not real, was intended to intimidate the victim and ensure compliance.
Ransom demand raised suspicion
After abducting the student, the accused contacted his friends and demanded ₹50,000 for his release. Initially, the friends transferred ₹10,000, believing the threat to be genuine.
However, growing suspicious of the situation, they alerted the police, which proved to be a crucial step in preventing further harm.
Swift police action leads to rescue
Acting promptly, the police traced the location of the accused using mobile tracking technology. A rescue operation was launched, leading to the safe recovery of the victim.
The four accused were apprehended, and police seized the fake gun, a knife, and the car used in the crime. Officials confirmed that the victim was unharmed.
Accused part of repeat offender group
During the investigation, police found that the accused were not first-time offenders. They are believed to have operated as a gang and had allegedly threatened multiple students in the past.
Authorities are now probing whether the group was involved in similar incidents and if more victims may come forward.
Legal action and further probe
A case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections pertaining to kidnapping, criminal intimidation, and extortion. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the group’s activities.
Conclusion
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety within student communities and misuse of intimidation tactics among youth. Prompt action by the victim’s friends and the police ensured a safe rescue, highlighting the importance of vigilance and timely reporting in preventing such crimes.