Mangaluru: A Youth Congress functionary and his associate have been arrested by Mangaluru police for allegedly honey-trapping a businessman and extorting ₹2.77 crore from him over a period of nearly two years through blackmail and intimidation.
The accused have been identified as Nizam, the general secretary of the Mangaluru Youth Congress, and his associate Jithesh. The arrests were made following a complaint lodged at Urva Police Station by the businessman, who alleged that he was repeatedly threatened and forced to pay large sums of money.
Obscene photos and videos used for blackmail
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly obtained obscene photographs and videos featuring the businessman and used them to extort money from him.
Police said the businessman was threatened that the material would be circulated among his family members and others if he failed to meet their financial demands. Fearing damage to his reputation and personal life, the businessman initially complied with the demands and continued making payments.
Investigators said the accused allegedly exploited the victim’s fear and vulnerability, repeatedly demanding money while assuring him that the material would not be made public.
Alleged suicide story used to continue extortion
During the investigation, police uncovered what they described as a more elaborate phase of the alleged extortion scheme.
According to police, the accused allegedly claimed that one of them had died by suicide and had left behind a note naming the businessman as responsible for the death. They allegedly threatened that he could face arrest and imprisonment if he refused to continue making payments.
Believing the claims and fearing legal consequences, the businessman reportedly continued transferring money to the accused between 2024 and 2026.
Police said the total amount allegedly extorted from the businessman during this period reached ₹2.77 crore.
Fraud exposed after accused spotted alive
The alleged fraud came to light earlier this month when the businessman reportedly saw Jithesh, who had allegedly been portrayed as having died by suicide, alive and moving around in Mangaluru.
Realising that he may have been deceived, the businessman approached the police and lodged a formal complaint detailing the alleged blackmail and extortion.
Based on the complaint and preliminary findings, police registered a case and launched an investigation that led to the arrest of both accused.
Police probe wider conspiracy angle
Police are now investigating how the alleged honey-trap operation was organised and whether additional individuals may have been involved in the scheme.
Investigators are examining financial transactions, communication records and other evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged extortion racket.
Officials said further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Conclusion
Mangaluru police have arrested a Youth Congress office-bearer and his associate for allegedly extorting ₹2.77 crore from a businessman through a honey-trap and blackmail scheme. The case, which allegedly involved threats using obscene material and a fabricated suicide narrative, is under investigation, with police probing whether more individuals were involved.