In a disturbing case of online impersonation and psychological manipulation, the Kodagu police have arrested five individuals who allegedly posed as cybercrime officers to extort ₹7 lakh from a cooperative bank employee. The victim, 51-year-old Parashivamurthy M P, who works as an attendant at a cooperative bank and resides in Madapatna village near Kushalnagar, fell into the trap after he accidentally sent an “I Love You” message on Facebook.
Weeks later, on November 2, he received a threatening call from someone claiming to be from the “cyber police department” in Periyapatna. The caller accused him of harassing women online and warned of imminent arrest, public humiliation, and legal action unless he paid a bribe to settle the matter discreetly.
Sustained Threats and Psychological Pressure Forced ₹7 Lakh Payment
The accused allegedly used repeated phone calls, threats of arrest, and fear of social embarrassment to coerce the victim. Over time, they managed to extract a total of ₹7 lakh from Parashivamurthy. Due to fear and shame, he initially chose not to file a complaint. However, the psychological pressure eventually became unbearable, leading him to approach the Kushalnagar town police on January 11.
A case was filed under Sections 318(2) (cheating), 319(1) (cheating by personation), and 308(2) (extortion) of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police Crack the Racket; Phones Seized
A special team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police P. Chandrashekar from the Somwarpet sub-division launched a probe along with Kushalnagar police. After a detailed investigation, they arrested the following:
- Ibrahim Baad Shah (25) from Boyikeri, Kodagu
- Raghavendra B M (19) from Melukote, Mandya
- Sangeetha (30), Ibrahim’s wife from Banashankari, Bengaluru
- Charan C K (19) from Kushalnagar
- A minor with a known criminal history
The police also seized four mobile phones used for the crime. All adult accused were presented before a court, while the minor will be handled as per juvenile justice norms. Police suspect this gang may have duped other victims using similar tactics and are continuing their investigation.