Pramesh S Jain
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) Women Protection Squad has arrested 11 members of an alleged honey-trap and robbery syndicate that lured men through the Locanto classifieds app before robbing them in Bengaluru.
The arrests were made on July 17 after a Whitefield resident lodged a complaint stating that he was duped by the gang.
According to police,the accused posted advertisements in the”Personals”section of the Locanto app with titles such as “Independent Girls in Personals Bangalore”to attract customers.
After the victim responded to one such advertisement, he was sent a live location in HBR Layout under the K.G. Halli police station limits.
On reaching the spot,the victim was shown two women seated inside an autorickshaw and negotiations for sexual services began.
However,the gang allegedly overpowered him,robbed him of his cash and mobile phone,and fled.
Based on the complaint,the CCB Women Protection Squad registered a case at K.G.Halli Police Station and launched a swift investigation.
Within 24 hours,officers tracked down and arrested all 11 accused from different parts of HBR Layout.
Police seized two autorickshaws,four two-wheelers,13 mobile phones and cash allegedly used in the crime.
During interrogation,the accused allegedly confessed to operating an interstate honey-trap racket.
Investigators said the gang trafficked women from other states,arranged accommodation for them in Bengaluru and uploaded their photographs on the Locanto app to lure customers.
Once victims arrived at the designated location,they were allegedly assaulted and robbed.
Bengaluru City Police have advised the public not to respond to online advertisements offering prostitution or other illegal services on social media or classified platforms.
Citizens have also been urged to immediately report such suspicious advertisements or activities to the nearest police station or the police emergency helpline.
