Udupi: Police have arrested a 38-year-old man for allegedly supplying mobile numbers and other personal details of businessmen and prominent individuals in Udupi district to underworld operative Hemanth Poojary, who allegedly extorted money from them by issuing death threats.

According to police, eight cases have been registered in connection with the alleged extortion attempts. Five cases were registered at Padubidri police station, while Shirva, Kaup and Manipal police stations registered one case each.

The victims, primarily businessmen and prominent individuals operating within the jurisdictions of these police stations, were allegedly contacted by Hemanth Poojary, who demanded crores of rupees and threatened to kill them if they failed to pay.

Accused allegedly supplied victims’ details

During the investigation, police arrested Suresh Amin, 38, a resident of Batrathota House in Yermal Bada village, Kaup taluk.

Police allege that Amin played a role in the extortion operation by providing Hemanth Poojary with the mobile numbers and other details of the targeted individuals. The information allegedly enabled Poojary to contact the victims and demand money.

Investigators are examining the nature of the alleged arrangement between the two men and the extent of Amin’s involvement in the extortion cases registered across the district.

Police uncover alleged murder conspiracy

According to police, technical evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that Suresh Amin and Hemanth Poojary had allegedly conspired to murder one of the businessmen.

The alleged conspiracy reportedly arose after the businessman failed to pay the demanded amount and stopped answering phone calls from Poojary.

Police are investigating the alleged plan and the circumstances surrounding the threats made to the businessman. The findings from the technical evidence are being examined as part of the wider investigation into the extortion network.

Rs 4.13 lakh seized from accused

Police further stated that Hemanth Poojary had transferred Rs 5 lakh to Amin in connection with the alleged crime.

After accounting for the amount reportedly spent, investigators seized the remaining Rs 4.13 lakh from Amin.

The seizure forms part of the investigation into the financial transactions allegedly linked to the extortion operation. Police are examining the money trail to establish the purpose of the transfer and determine whether other individuals were involved.

Accused remanded to judicial custody

Following his arrest, Suresh Amin was produced before a court in Udupi and remanded to judicial custody. He was subsequently taken into police custody for further investigation.

Police suspect that additional individuals may have been involved in the alleged extortion network and are working to identify others connected to the case.

The investigation is continuing across the eight cases registered in Padubidri, Shirva, Kaup and Manipal. Police are examining the alleged roles of the accused, the threats issued to the victims and the suspected conspiracy against the businessman.

Further details are expected as investigators pursue leads and establish the extent of the alleged network.