Pramesh S Jain
In a late-night operation,the Southeast Division Police rescued owner of a BPO company in Koramangala who was abducted by a gang posing as police officers and extorted of ₹18.90 lakh.
Eight persons,including a police constable,serving in Kolar district,have been arrested.
The incident took place around midnight on Friday when the accused barged into a call centre in Koramangala operated by Pavan,claiming to be police personnel conducting a cybercrime inspection.
The BPO,which works with US-based clients,functions through the night.
Senior officer told reporters that the gang accused the employees of cyber fraud,threatened them,and forced Pavan into a vehicle on the pretext of taking him for inquiry.Instead, they drove him to Malur,where he was held hostage for nearly three hours.
The suspects demanded money,and when Pavan was unable to withdraw cash,they coerced him into transferring Rs.18.90 lakh into bank accounts provided by them.
Meanwhile,employees at the call centre grew suspicious following repeated demands for money and alerted the police.
Pavan also managed to send a distress message. Around 3 am,the city’s emergency helpline 112 received the complaint.
Acting swiftly,police teams tracked the suspects’ movements and managed to locate both the abductors and the victim within hours.
All eight accused were arrested,and two cars used in the crime were seized.
Police have said further investigation is underway to determine whether the gang was involved in similar offences.
