Mandya youth allegedly kidnapped, assaulted and extorted after Facebook trap in Madikeri

Madikeri: A shocking case of honey-trapping and extortion has come to light in Madikeri, where a youth from Mandya district was allegedly lured through Facebook, illegally confined at a private homestay, assaulted and threatened with circulation of an obscene video to extort money.

The victim, Mahadev, a resident of Maddur in Mandya district, had recently come into contact with a woman through Facebook. Believing her invitation to meet, he arrived in Madikeri on Friday evening. However, what followed turned into a nightmarish ordeal.

According to the complaint, around 10.30 pm, Mahadev was called near the market area after the Naksatra Super Market in Madikeri by a man identified as Sujith. There, Mahadev was allegedly threatened, assaulted and forcibly taken in an autorickshaw to a private house and later to a homestay.

He was reportedly beaten with hands, sticks and the handle of a knife, leaving him injured and terrified. The prime accused, Rachana, along with her mother Malathi and associates Dinesh, Sujith and Darshan, allegedly confined Mahadev overnight and demanded money from him. The accused reportedly threatened to upload a video of Mahadev on social media if he failed to pay.

They also allegedly stripped him partially, seized his mobile phone and forced him to arrange money through online transfers. Under duress, Mahadev reportedly transferred money via Google Pay on multiple occasions, including ₹5,000 at one instance and additional amounts later. Despite receiving money, the accused allegedly continued to assault and intimidate him, demanding more cash.

The victim stated that he was confined until morning and repeatedly threatened with dire consequences if he approached the police. At one point, he managed to escape from the house in a distressed and semi-naked condition and ran to the Madikeri town police station, where he lodged a complaint detailing the ordeal.

Based on Mahadev’s complaint, police registered a case of kidnapping, wrongful confinement, assault, criminal intimidation and extortion. Swift action followed, leading to the arrest of Rachana and her mother Malathi. Police have also taken into custody one more accused, while others involved in the crime are currently absconding.

Investigators revealed that the accused allegedly recorded videos of the victim during confinement to blackmail him. Police have seized mobile phones and are examining digital evidence to establish the full extent of the crime.

Senior police officials said further investigation is underway to trace the remaining accused and to determine whether similar crimes were committed earlier using the same modus operandi. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of online friendships and the rising threat of cyber-enabled crimes.

Police have urged the public, especially youths, to exercise caution while interacting with strangers on social media platforms and to report suspicious behaviour immediately.

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