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Mangaluru Kidnapping Shocker: Five Arrested in Alleged ₹4 Lakh Ransom Plot
By Shylesh Kotyan | Mangaluru | June 2, 2025
In a chilling crime that has sent ripples across Dakshina Kannada, five men have been arrested by Mangaluru Rural Police in connection with the abduction of a 24-year-old youth and a demand for ₹4 lakh ransom. The case, which unfolded in the otherwise quiet town of Uppinangady, has revealed disturbing details of premeditated targeting and intimidation, raising fresh concerns about organized crime networks operating in coastal Karnataka.
The Crime: Kidnapped, Beaten, Demanded Ransom
The victim, whose identity is being withheld for legal and safety reasons, was reportedly abducted from near a local mechanic’s shop where he worked part-time. Witnesses say he was forcibly bundled into a black SUV by masked men around 7:15 PM on Friday.
According to preliminary reports, the accused took the victim to an isolated house on the outskirts of Bantwal, where he was allegedly tied up, physically assaulted, and threatened. The abductors then contacted the victim’s family via WhatsApp, demanding ₹4 lakh for his safe release.
Terrified and disoriented, the family initially suspected a prank—until the video calls began. “He was crying. His shirt was bloody. They warned us not to involve police,” said the victim’s elder brother in an exclusive statement.
The Arrests: Swift, Strategic, Successful
Acting on the tip-off and with mobile triangulation, a special team led by Mangaluru Rural DSP K. Ramesh Naik raided a property in Gadiyara on Sunday morning. The operation led to the rescue of the victim and arrest of five accused.
Those arrested are:
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Aboobakkar Siddiq (39), a repeat offender known locally as JCB Siddiq, allegedly the ringleader.
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Kalandar Shafi Gadiyara (22), believed to have handled the ransom communication.
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Irfan (38) from Mangalpady, reportedly in charge of logistics and vehicle arrangements.
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Mohammed Salman (26) and Naufal (23), both aides who helped surveil the victim and keep him under custody.
Police confirmed that multiple charges have been registered, including sections under IPC 364A (Kidnapping for ransom), 342 (Wrongful confinement), and 506 (Criminal intimidation).
Motive: Personal Vendetta or Money Chase?
While ransom is the official motive, sources suggest the incident may stem from an ongoing dispute involving unpaid debt or personal rivalry. Locals allege that Siddiq, the main accused, has been previously booked in land grab cases and extortion rackets but often evaded full prosecution due to political connections.
Police are now exploring links between this gang and a wider ring involved in similar abduction-for-extortion schemes across Bantwal and Puttur taluks.
“We are verifying their digital trail. There are signs of systematic targeting—this is not a random act,” said a senior officer involved in the probe.
Rising Trend: Is Mangaluru Becoming a Crime Hub?
The case is the third major ransom-based abduction reported in the region this year. In February, a college student was kidnapped over a cryptocurrency scam dispute, and in April, a businessman was held for ransom by unknown callers before being released near Uppala.
Civic leaders and legal activists have demanded stricter policing and surveillance in Uppinangady, Bantwal, and Moodbidri, areas increasingly appearing in crime-related reports. Some allege that economic downturns and digital fraud culture are contributing to the rise of criminal activity.
“This trend is alarming. We need community policing, digital literacy campaigns, and fast-track trials,” said Vidya D’Costa, a Mangaluru-based human rights advocate.
Technology: The Role of Messaging Apps
In this case, as in many others, encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram were the preferred communication channels for the abductors. Police confirmed that the kidnappers used end-to-end encryption, deleted chats, and even created temporary numbers to evade tracking.
Cyber cell teams are now collaborating with central forensic labs to retrieve logs and trace digital footprints.
“This is a classic modern crime: old motives, new methods,” noted cybercrime analyst Dr. Harish Alva.
What’s Next: Legal and Preventive Measures
The arrested individuals are now in judicial custody for 14 days, and formal charges will be filed after the forensic and call records are compiled. The victim, meanwhile, is undergoing counseling and has recorded his statement under CrPC Section 164 before a magistrate.
The Mangaluru police have promised more night patrols, facial recognition surveillance, and community intelligence networks to prevent future incidents.
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