Bengaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) Organised Crime Control Unit has arrested former rowdy-sheeter Yashaswini Gowda (47) on charges of obstructing police personnel while they were discharging official duties in connection with a high-profile kidnapping and extortion case involving a Bengaluru businessman.
The case pertains to the abduction and intimidation of H.V. Manoj Kumar, an entrepreneur, for ransom. In August last year, the CCB had arrested Rajesh, Seena alias Bombay Seena, Lokesh Kumar, Naveen Kumar, Somayya, and Yukesh for allegedly kidnapping Manoj Kumar and extorting money from him.
During the course of investigation, the involvement of notorious rowdy-sheeter Bakery Raghu came to light. He was subsequently arrested in Mandya. It was during this arrest operation that Yashaswini Gowda allegedly obstructed police officials, leading to a case being registered against her at the Mandya Rural Police Station.
Background of the Case
According to police, Rajeshโan acquaintance of the victimโhad lent โน1.20 lakh to a well-known film director. When the loan remained unpaid even after a year, Manoj Kumar allegedly pressured Rajesh to recover the amount, triggering a chain of events that later escalated into kidnapping and extortion.
Abduction and Forced Money Transfer
On August 26, at around 6.30 pm, Rajesh reportedly called Manoj Kumar to Modi Hospital Circle in Rajajinagar, claiming that the money would be repaid. Manoj Kumar was then taken in a car on the pretext that senior persons would settle the issue.
Midway, the victim was allegedly shifted into another vehicle and abducted. The accused reportedly drove him around multiple locations in the city, threatened him with a dagger, and forcibly transferred โน2.96 lakh from two of his bank accounts. The accused later allegedly demanded an additional โน10 lakh.
After Manoj Kumar agreed to arrange the money, he was dropped near the Jnana Bharathi campus the following afternoon. He later lodged a formal complaint with the CCB, following which multiple arrests were made.
Police officials stated that further investigation into the extortion network and associated criminal activities is ongoing.
