Has a Karnataka Cop Been Arrested for Involvement in a Honey-Trapping Extortion Scheme?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka police arrested a constable for involvement in a honey-trapping scheme.
- Three accomplices were also taken into custody.
- The operation was exposed after a complaint by a victim.
- Victims were threatened with exposure to extort money.
- Ongoing investigations aim to uncover further details and prevent future incidents.
Mysuru, June 17 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police have apprehended a police officer accused of orchestrating a scheme that lures wealthy individuals through honey-trapping, officials disclosed.
The officer in question has been identified as Shivanna, also known as Papanna, a constable assigned to the Hunsur Rural police station, as stated by officials on Monday.
In addition, three other individuals have been taken into custody in relation to the investigation.
Authorities from the Bettadapura police in Mysuru district dismantled the operation, following a complaint lodged by Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Kampalapura town.
The inquiry has uncovered that the suspects established a honey-trapping ring by collaborating with other accomplices and attractive women.
They devised strategies to ensnare affluent men and extort money from them.
According to police, Dinesh Kumar, a cloth merchant, was approached by a 23-year-old woman implicated in the case, who bought clothes from him on June 11.
She acquired his contact information and requested updates when he received new clothing collections at his store.
That very night, she initiated a conversation with him via mobile.
Initially reluctant, Dinesh Kumar eventually engaged in the conversation. Subsequently, she sent several photographs to his cellphone.
She invited him to meet at a relative's house in Maradiyuru village, claiming she was home alone.
Upon arriving in the evening by car, the woman welcomed him into the house and offered him coffee.
Dinesh Kumar recounted in his complaint that the woman sat beside him, expressed her affection, and embraced him.
She mentioned that she would lock the door but returned without doing so and led him into the room.
While inside, three unknown men burst in and began attacking Dinesh Kumar.
The intruders coerced him to pose with the woman, capturing both photos and videos, according to police.
Later, the detained officer, Shivanna alias Papanna, along with another individual, confronted Dinesh Kumar, demanding a payment of Rs 10 lakh to prevent further complications.
They threatened to release his compromising videos and photos on social media if he failed to comply.
Dinesh Kumar contacted his brother Mahendra Chowdhary, urging him to quickly arrange and deliver Rs 10 lakh in cash to one of the suspects.
Mahendra grew suspicious and alerted the Piriyapatna police about the situation.
The Inspector at the Piriyapatna police station reached out to Dinesh Kumar and spoke with the suspects, insisting on his release.
Dinesh Kumar was freed early Monday morning. After gathering information from him, police apprehended the suspects and dismantled the gang.
Further investigations are ongoing.