Bengaluru businessman M. Kripalani faces fresh FIR for death threats to Customs officer
Synopsis
A Bengaluru businessman already in custody for alleged blackmail and sexual assault of a female Customs officer now faces a second FIR — this time for allegedly threatening to kill a male Customs Superintendent, his wife, and children after a ₹8.50 lakh smuggling penalty. Police suspect the accused ran a wider extortion network targeting multiple Customs officials.
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru police registered a fresh FIR against businessman M.
Kripalani at Halasuru Police Station on 18 May 2025 .
The complaint was filed by Customs Superintendent D.
Anthony of Mangaluru , alleging death threats after he imposed a ₹8.50 lakh penalty on Kripalani in a smuggling case.
Kripalani is already under arrest for alleged blackmail and sexual assault of a female Customs officer, with the case now being investigated by Indiranagar Police Station .
He allegedly cultivated a relationship with the female officer over nine years to extract Customs procedural information and later threatened to release her private media.
Police suspect multiple Customs officials were targeted and have urged other victims to come forward.
Bengaluru police have registered a fresh case against businessman M. Kripalani, already under arrest for alleged blackmail and sexual assault of a female Customs officer, after Customs Superintendent D. Anthony of Mangaluru filed a complaint alleging death threats. The new First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Halasuru Police Station on Monday, 18 May, under Sections 308(4), 351(3), and 351(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Threat Complaint
According to the complaint filed by Anthony, Kripalani had previously been penalised in a smuggling case — with Anthony imposing a fine of approximately ₹8.50 lakh on him. Police allege that Kripalani sought revenge for this action by calling one of Anthony's colleagues and issuing explicit death threats, reportedly warning that Anthony, his wife, and his children would not be spared. The threats were conveyed through a third party, according to police.
The Earlier Arrest: Blackmail and Sexual Assault Allegations
Kripalani's current custody stems from a separate and more serious case registered initially at Yelahanka Police Station — later transferred to Indiranagar Police Station — involving allegations of blackmail and sexual assault of a female Customs officer. According to police, Kripalani allegedly cultivated a relationship with the woman officer over nearly nine years, gaining her trust under the pretence of a romantic relationship and promises of marriage. He is accused of using that access to extract information about procedural loopholes in Customs operations.
Police allege he subsequently threatened to release the woman officer's private photographs and videos unless she complied with his demands. Unable to bear the alleged harassment, the officer approached police and lodged a formal complaint.
Broader Pattern: False Complaints and Extortion of Customs Officials
Investigations have revealed a wider alleged scheme. Police say Kripalani — who was engaged in the electronics business — allegedly conducted multiple commercial transactions while evading Customs scrutiny, using insider knowledge he reportedly obtained from the female officer. He is further accused of filing false complaints against other Customs officers and using those complaints to extort money from them.
Notably, police have indicated that several Customs officials may have been targeted in a similar manner, and have publicly urged any such victims to come forward and file complaints. This suggests investigators suspect the alleged extortion network may be wider than the two cases registered so far.
Investigation Status
Both cases remain under active investigation. The transfer of the sexual assault case from Yelahanka to Indiranagar Police Station signals a consolidation of the probe, while the fresh FIR at Halasuru adds a second independent charge sheet to Kripalani's legal exposure. Authorities have not ruled out further FIRs as more Customs officials are encouraged to report similar experiences.
Point of View
But it also implicitly acknowledges that the damage may be far wider than two FIRs suggest. The transfer of the sexual assault case between police stations also warrants scrutiny: delays in such transfers can slow forensic timelines and signal jurisdictional hesitance in politically or commercially sensitive cases.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was a fresh FIR filed against M. Kripalani in Bengaluru?
A fresh FIR was registered at Halasuru Police Station after Customs Superintendent D. Anthony alleged that Kripalani issued death threats against him, his wife, and his children. The threats reportedly came as revenge for Anthony imposing a ₹8.50 lakh penalty on Kripalani in a smuggling case.
What was M. Kripalani originally arrested for?
Kripalani was originally arrested in connection with allegations of blackmail and sexual assault of a female Customs officer. He is accused of threatening to release her private photographs and videos unless she complied with his demands.
Which police stations are handling the cases against Kripalani?
The death-threat case has been registered at Halasuru Police Station. The sexual assault and blackmail case was initially filed at Yelahanka Police Station and has since been transferred to Indiranagar Police Station for further investigation.
How did Kripalani allegedly gain access to Customs information?
According to police, Kripalani allegedly cultivated a relationship with the female Customs officer over nearly nine years, posing as a romantic partner and making promises of marriage to gain her trust. He then reportedly used this access to learn about procedural loopholes in Customs operations.
Are more Customs officials believed to be victims?
Police have indicated that several Customs officials may have been similarly targeted through false complaints and extortion. Investigators have publicly urged any other victims to come forward and file complaints, suggesting the alleged network may extend beyond the two registered cases.
