In a significant operation, Kushalnagar Police in Kodagu district have apprehended an eight-member gang, including a juvenile, accused of defrauding the public through an online dating app in Bengaluru. The suspects, all from Hassan district, were identified as Manjunath (29), C.S. Sandeep Kumar (25), C.B. Rakesh (24), K. Jayalakshmi (29), S. Sahana (19), Pallavi (30), Abhishek (24), and a juvenile whose identity remains undisclosed.
The gang allegedly lured victims via the ‘Locanto’ app, offering women for sexual services at reputed hotels across various cities. They collected advance payments online but failed to deliver the promised services. Upon investigation, the Police recovered 17 mobile phones, a tablet, a laptop, and Rs. 24,800 in cash from the accused.
The scam came to light when a victim, Manju from Kushalnagar, responded to an advertisement and transferred money online for supposed services. Upon visiting the specified hotel, he discovered it was a fraudulent operation. Following his complaint, a special team was formed, leading to the arrest of the culprits in Bengaluru.
Kodagu SP K. Ramarajan highlighted that the gang had duped victims of over Rs. 3 lakh by falsely representing elite hotel services. The Police cautioned the public against falling prey to such scams and urged vigilance, advising them to report suspicious activities promptly.