Bengaluru Spa Owner Dramatically Rescued After Kidnapping for Ransom
In a chilling incident on the outskirts of Bengaluru, a spa owner was abducted in a meticulously planned kidnapping plot, only to be rescued in a dramatic police operation that led to the arrest of three young men. The victim, Ashutosh Jha, also known as Ashit Jha, a native of Bihar residing in Thirupalya near Bommasandra, co-owned a spa in Akshayanagar, Begur. The kidnapping unfolded late on February 15, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Abduction and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred around 9 PM when Ashit and his spa manager, Manu Kumar, were returning home on a motorcycle after closing the spa. Near Arena Sports Road, close to Bettadasanapura, a car suddenly intercepted them, causing Manu to lose control and both to fall. One of the assailants allegedly exited the vehicle, attacked Manu with a long machete, and forcibly pushed Ashit into the car at knifepoint before speeding away.
Manu, uncertain if the gang intended to abduct both individuals, rushed to a nearby hospital in an autorickshaw for medical treatment. Shortly after, the kidnappers used Ashit's phone to contact him. They made Ashit speak briefly to assure Manu of his safety, warning against alerting the police and demanding a ransom. Later, they contacted Ashit's business partner, Prakash Mandal, seeking Rs 2 lakh for his release.
Police Investigation and Rescue Operation
Manu lodged a formal complaint with the Electronics City police around 1:45 AM. A special team, led by Inspector Naveen GM, immediately began tracking the suspects. The kidnappers repeatedly made calls from Ashit's phone, frequently changing locations and switching the device off between calls to evade detection. Police advised Mandal to agree to pay the ransom to facilitate the operation.
The gang selected a deserted area in S Bingipura near Electronics City for the ransom collection. When one of the miscreants arrived to collect the money, police detained him. Based on his information, the other two accused were apprehended, and Ashit was successfully rescued on Tuesday evening. DCP (Electronics City) M Narayana confirmed the details, noting that police seized the car used in the abduction, lethal weapons, three mobile phones, and Rs 9,700 in cash from the trio.
Motives and Background of the Accused
Investigations revealed that the mastermind, Manjunath, 25, from Bannerghatta, worked as a housekeeping supervisor at an apartment in Gottigere. He had allegedly misappropriated Rs 1.5 lakh from apartment funds and lost it in online gaming. During his birthday on February 5, he confided his financial troubles to Akshay, 28, of Jigani, and Prajwal, 25, from Anekal.
Akshay, who needed money to service his car and had a prior murder case against him, allegedly suggested kidnapping a spa owner he knew. Fearing exposure, they abandoned that plan and instead targeted Ashit, tracking his movements for three days before executing the abduction. With no secure location to hide him, the trio kept roaming around the city after the kidnapping, even making Ashit pay for food and fuel during his captivity.
Legal Proceedings and Conclusion
The accused were produced before the court on Wednesday and remanded to police custody for further investigation. This case highlights the increasing risks faced by business owners in urban areas and underscores the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in tackling serious crimes. The swift action by the Electronics City police not only ensured the victim's safety but also brought the perpetrators to justice, serving as a deterrent to similar criminal activities in the future.
