Police Officer's Son Among Two Arrested in Coimbatore Dating App Extortion Case
In a shocking incident that highlights the dangers of online dating, the Coimbatore city police have arrested two men, including the son of a deputy superintendent of police, for allegedly extorting money and gold ornaments from a woman one of them met through a dating application.
The Accused and Their Background
The arrested individuals have been identified as T Dhanush, 28, whose father serves as a deputy superintendent of police elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, and his relative Tharun, 28. Both men are residents of Coimbatore city, adding a disturbing dimension to the case given one accused's connection to law enforcement.
How the Crime Unfolded
The case came to light when a 25-year-old woman from Pollachi, currently residing at a hostel near Pappanaickenpalayam in Coimbatore and working for a private company, approached the Race Course police station on November 3 with a formal complaint.
According to the victim's statement, she had initially connected with Tharun through the popular Bumble dating app. On November 2 around 7 PM, Tharun picked her up from her hostel in his sport utility vehicle (SUV) under the pretense of a date.
Instead of taking her to a public place, Tharun drove her to an isolated location near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, where Dhanush joined them. The duo then allegedly intimidated and threatened the woman, forcing her to transfer Rs 90,000 to them through UPI payment.
Not satisfied with just the cash, the accused also extorted her gold jewelry, including a one sovereign gold chain, a one sovereign gold ring, and a one sovereign gold bracelet before abandoning her at a star hotel on Avinashi Road.
Police Action and Investigation
Following the complaint, a special police team swiftly moved into action, tracking down and arresting both accused. The police have seized the SUV used in the crime from the perpetrators.
Authorities have confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine if the accused have committed similar crimes using the same modus operandi. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly because one of the accused comes from a police family.
This incident serves as a stark reminder about exercising caution while meeting people through dating applications and the importance of verifying the background of individuals before agreeing to meet in person.
