Bengaluru: What began as a late-night food outing for four college students turned into a traumatic ordeal after they were intercepted, robbed, and held hostage by a gang of miscreants in the outskirts of the city.
How the incident unfolded
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the students were returning from Hoskote after having biryani. They were travelling on two motorcycles when their journey was abruptly halted by a group of seven to eight men. The accused allegedly surrounded the students, seized their motorcycles, and forcibly took away their mobile phones.
According to police officials, the gang restrained the students and held them captive for nearly an hour. During this time, the accused accessed the victims’ mobile phones and forced them to transfer money through UPI to multiple bank accounts. The victims were allegedly threatened with dire consequences if they resisted or raised an alarm.
Extortion attempts using victims’ phones
The situation escalated further when the gang attempted to extort additional money by contacting the students’ friends. Using the seized mobile phones, the miscreants called several contacts and issued threats, demanding immediate transfers of cash. Fearing for the safety of their friends, some recipients initially panicked but soon realised the seriousness of the situation.
Instead of complying with the demands, the friends approached the nearest police station and alerted the authorities about the possible abduction and extortion attempt. This timely intervention played a crucial role in preventing further harm to the victims.
Police action and suspects fleeing
Acting swiftly on the complaint, police teams were dispatched to the suspected location. As the police closed in, the accused noticed the approaching patrol vehicles and fled the scene, abandoning the four students. The victims were rescued without physical injuries but were left shaken by the incident.
Following detailed statements from the students, the police registered a case under relevant sections related to robbery, criminal intimidation, wrongful confinement, and extortion. Based on preliminary investigation and local intelligence, one suspect was identified and arrested.
Arrest and investigation
The arrested accused has been identified as Arfath Ahmed, aged 24. Police officials said he is being questioned to ascertain his exact role in the crime and to trace the remaining members of the gang. Efforts are also underway to track the bank accounts used for the forced UPI transfers and recover the stolen money.
Investigators believe the gang may be involved in similar incidents targeting late-night travellers, especially youngsters returning from food outings or social gatherings. CCTV footage from nearby roads and toll points is being analysed to identify the escape routes used by the accused.
Growing concern over late-night crimes
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of students and young professionals travelling during late-night hours on the city’s outskirts. Police officials have urged the public to avoid isolated stretches at night and to immediately contact emergency services if they sense danger.
Senior officers stated that additional night patrols would be intensified in vulnerable areas, especially on routes frequently used by late-night commuters. Citizens have also been advised not to share OTPs or unlock their phones under duress and to memorise emergency contact numbers.
Conclusion
While the prompt action of the victims’ friends and the police prevented the situation from turning even more serious, the incident highlights the increasing use of digital payment platforms in crimes such as extortion and robbery. Authorities have assured that all remaining accused will be arrested soon and strict action will be taken to deter such crimes in the future.