Eight people, including a police constable from Kolar, have been remanded in police custody for four days in connection with the kidnapping and extortion of four call centre employees in Koramangala. The accused were produced before a city court on Sunday, where the police sought seven days of custody. However, the court granted only four.

Court sends suspects to police custody

According to police, the group was arrested on Saturday after allegedly kidnapping the employees and extorting ₹8.90 lakh from them through online transactions. The victims were rescued soon after the complaint was filed, and the accused were taken into custody for questioning.

During the remand hearing, investigators argued that a longer custodial period was necessary to recover digital evidence, verify money trails, and identify possible additional accomplices. The court, however, remanded the accused for four days, directing police to expedite their investigation.

Constable among those arrested

One of the key accused is Chalapathy, a police constable from Kolar, whose involvement has raised concerns within the department. Officials said internal disciplinary action may follow once the investigation concludes.

The remaining accused have been identified as:

  • Pavan (30) – seller of rejected goods
  • Bharath (26) – painter
  • Prashanth Kumar (26) – petrol station worker
  • Tejas Dave (30) – garage worker (from Ahmedabad)
  • Zabihulla (30) – welder
  • Atheeq Ur Rahman (30) – seller of rejected goods
  • Prashanth Kumar (26) – petrol station worker (same name as another accused)

Except for Tejas, all the others hail from different parts of Kolar district.

How the kidnapping unfolded

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused targeted the call centre employees while they were returning home from work. Police said the group forcibly took them away, threatened them, and made them transfer money online. Officials are examining whether the gang had attempted similar offences in the past.

Investigators are now analysing mobile phones, bank records, and the route taken by the suspects to reconstruct the sequence of events. Police also plan to track digital footprints associated with the payment transactions.

Further action underway

Senior police officials said the involvement of a serving constable has necessitated a deeper probe into whether the gang had access to insider information. They added that the case highlights the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms within law enforcement.

Police have urged the public to remain cautious, particularly in isolated areas at night, and to report suspicious activity immediately.

Conclusion

With the accused remanded to police custody, investigators are racing against time to gather crucial evidence and confirm the extent of the gang’s criminal activities. Further arrests have not been ruled out as the probe widens.