Udupi: A woman has been arrested by the Udupi City Police for allegedly cheating a real estate businessman of ₹70 lakh, blackmailing him using alleged obscene videos, and threatening to kill his family. The accused was produced before a court, which remanded her to five days of police custody for further investigation.
Business partnership turns into fraud case
The arrested accused has been identified as Zeenath Ibrahim.
According to the complaint filed by a real estate businessman from Udupi, he became acquainted with the accused through his business activities. The two later jointly started a real estate office in the city.
The complainant alleged that, reposing trust in the accused, he invested ₹70 lakh for the purchase of land. However, instead of utilising the money for the intended purpose, the accused allegedly diverted the funds for her personal use, thereby cheating him.
Alleged blackmail using obscene videos
The complainant further stated that while closing his office, he came across certain confidential files and a pen drive.
Upon examining their contents, he allegedly found private and obscene photographs and videos of several influential individuals.
According to the complaint, when he demanded the return of his ₹70 lakh investment, the accused allegedly visited his new office and demanded additional money.
She allegedly threatened to file a false rape case against him if he refused to pay. The complainant also alleged that she claimed to possess obscene videos of him and continuously blackmailed him.
In addition, the accused allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant’s wife and children and kill them.
Organised racket alleged
The complaint further alleged that Sabina Ilyas and others were associated with the accused in running an organised racket involving blackmail, extortion and financial fraud.
Based on the complaint, the Udupi City Police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Special team arrests accused
A special police team led by PSI (Law and Order) Bharatesh Kankanawadi was formed to trace the accused.
On July 2, the team arrested Zeenath Ibrahim from Kanchinadka, near the mosque in Nadsalu village of Kaup taluk.
She was produced before the court, which remanded her to five days of police custody for further interrogation.
Police seek information from public
Police have appealed to members of the public to come forward if they have allegedly been cheated or blackmailed by the accused.
Officials said anyone with relevant information or who believes they may have been a victim is requested to contact the Udupi City Police Station to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Further investigation into the case is underway.