Belagavi Police Nab Fashion Designer in Elaborate Honey-Trap Scam
In a significant breakthrough, the Tilakwadi police in Belagavi have apprehended a woman fashion designer accused of masterminding a series of honey-trap operations aimed at wealthy individuals across the city. The arrested individual has been identified as Deepa Avatagi, aged 33, originally from Mahalingpur.
Modus Operandi and Alleged Accomplice
According to police officials, Avatagi allegedly operated with an associate, Shivanand Mathapati, a resident of Hukkeri taluk, who is currently evading capture. Investigators revealed that Mathapati purportedly supplied Avatagi with detailed information about affluent targets, enabling her to plan her schemes meticulously.
The scam unfolded through a calculated process: Avatagi would initially befriend wealthy men via social media platforms. After establishing a rapport and gaining their trust, she would engage them in intimate conversations before proposing a face-to-face meeting at various lodges in Belagavi.
Detailed Account of the Scam
Once the victim arrived at the designated lodge, Avatagi would cleverly ask him to take a bath. As the victim entered the bathroom, she would allegedly lock the door from the outside, trapping him inside. Seizing this opportunity, she would then swiftly steal the victim's mobile phone, cash, and car keys before making a hurried exit from the premises.
CCTV footage from the lodges captured Avatagi arriving at the locations and later fleeing after committing the thefts. In a brazen twist, after escaping, she would contact the victim from a different phone number, demanding money and threatening to file a police complaint if he refused to comply with her extortion demands.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The case came to light following a formal complaint, leading to the registration of a case at the Tilakwadi police station. Under the leadership of Inspector Parashuram Pujeri, a dedicated police team launched a thorough investigation, which ultimately resulted in the successful arrest of Avatagi. She was subsequently released on station bail as per legal procedures.
During the operation, police recovered valuables worth approximately Rs 32.8 lakh from the accused. The seized items include:
- A Toyota Fortuner vehicle
- A Maruti Suzuki S-Cross car
- Eleven mobile phones
- A tablet device
- A dongle
- Three car keys
- Rs 14,000 in cash
Ongoing Efforts and Further Investigation
Police authorities have confirmed that efforts are actively underway to trace and apprehend the absconding accomplice, Shivanand Mathapati. The investigation remains ongoing at the Tilakwadi police station, with officials delving deeper into the network and potential connections to other similar crimes.
This case highlights the sophisticated methods employed in modern-day scams targeting affluent individuals, underscoring the importance of vigilance in digital interactions.
