Coimbatore Police Nab Three Youths in Knifepoint Extortion Case
In a significant development, the Saibaba Colony police in Coimbatore district have successfully apprehended three young individuals on serious charges of extortion and robbery. The accused allegedly targeted a physiotherapist, using threats with a knife to coerce him into transferring money digitally and surrendering valuable possessions.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The police have identified the arrested suspects as C Karthik, aged 25, and V Pradeep, aged 23, both hailing from Virudhunagar. Additionally, M Harikrishnan, aged 25, from Kavundampalayam was taken into custody. This coordinated effort by law enforcement highlights their commitment to tackling violent crimes in the region.
Incident Overview: A Terrifying Ordeal
The victim, Naveen Chakravarthy, 23, also from Virudhunagar, resides near Ondipudur and works as a physiotherapist at a private hospital in Coimbatore. The harrowing incident unfolded on a Wednesday night when Naveen and his friend were standing near a corporation park on Collector Sivakumar Street in Saibaba Colony. According to reports, the trio allegedly kidnapped both individuals by forcing them into a car.
Once inside the vehicle, the suspects immediately demanded cash. When Naveen informed them that he did not have physical money on hand, they allegedly pressured him to transfer funds through the popular digital payment platform, GPay. Under the imminent threat of a knife, Naveen complied and transferred the demanded amount while the car was in motion. Furthermore, the perpetrators forcibly snatched his gold chain, adding to the severity of the crime.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
After committing the acts, the suspects dropped Naveen and his friend near the same corporation park and fled the scene. Promptly, Naveen lodged a formal complaint with the Saibaba Colony police, leading to the registration of a case. The swift investigation resulted in the arrest of the trio, who have since been remanded to judicial custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
This case underscores the growing concerns over street crimes involving digital extortion methods in urban areas. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately to help maintain public safety.
