Did a Kerala couple really blackmail an IT executive?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Couple from Kochi arrested for alleged blackmail.
- Bail granted under Supreme Court guidelines.
- Threatened IT executive with false accusations.
- Investigation into the case is ongoing.
- Two cheques of Rs 10 crore each found in possession.
Kochi, July 30 (NationPress) A local court has granted bail to a couple from Kochi just hours after they were apprehended by the Ernakulam Central Police for reportedly blackmailing and intimidating an IT firm owner into providing them with a significant sum of money.
The bail was awarded in accordance with Supreme Court directives, and several strict conditions were placed on their release.
The couple is required to fully cooperate with the police investigation team, a factor that contributed to the court's decision to grant them bail.
A police official from the Central Police stated that the arrest has been documented, and the case is under scrutiny, with all particulars being assessed.
Identified as Krishna Raj and his wife Shweta Babu, the couple allegedly ensnared the IT executive by blackmailing him and received a transfer of Rs 50,000 into their bank account.
They also managed to have him sign two cheques, each for Rs 10 crore, made out to them.
Shweta was previously employed at the IT executive's firm but had recently resigned. Following her resignation, the couple concocted a false narrative and began threatening the businessman, claiming that if he did not pay Rs 30 crore to Shweta, she would accuse him of being involved in an extramarital affair and would also claim sexual assault.
In alignment with this threat, the couple summoned him and two other employees of the firm to a meeting.
During the encounter last week, they intimidated the businessman, warning him that failure to pay Rs 30 crore would lead to serious consequences, including arrest on sexual assault charges.
They demanded an immediate transfer of Rs 10 crore and two cheques of Rs 10 crore each.
The unfortunate businessman complied by transferring Rs 50,000 into their account and subsequently prepared the two cheques.
However, he later contacted the police, and following a well-coordinated operation, the couple was apprehended.
A search yielded two cheques for Rs 10 crore each, signed by the IT firm owner, in their possession.
Consequently, the police acted swiftly and arrested the pair, who confessed to the crime during initial interrogation.
Meanwhile, authorities continue their investigation to determine if additional individuals are implicated in this case.