Bengaluru; In case of extortion and blackmail, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru has arrested three individuals, including a brother-sister duo, for extorting Rs 2.5 crore from a software employee by threatening to release compromising photos and videos of him. The accused, Tabasam Begum, her brother Azim Uddin, and their accomplice Abhishek alias Avinash, all hailing from Udupi district, were arrested after the victim, a techie in a high-ranking position, filed a complaint with the police. Authorities have seized mobile phones and laptops from the accused as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Plot: Honeytrap at a Gym
The incident began four years ago when the victim, a well-established software professional, began going to a gym owned by Azim Uddin in R.T. Nagar, a locality in Bengaluru. At the time, Tabasam Begum was employed as a fitness coach at the gym. She allegedly befriended the victim, and over time, the two developed a rapport. The victim, unaware of her intentions, was eventually trapped in a honeytrap.
According to the police, Tabasam secretly filmed intimate moments with the victim during a private meeting at his house, when his family was away. She later used these videos and photos to extort money from him, threatening to release them in the media and on social media unless he paid her. Tabasam also manipulated the victim by claiming that she was being forced to marry and that she had adopted a child, which made him believe that she needed financial support for her son’s education.
Threats and Extortion
Tabasam and her accomplices went to great lengths to further manipulate and threaten the victim. She was aided by Abhishek, who posed as a police officer and a lawyer, threatening to ruin the victim’s reputation and career. The victim, in an attempt to avoid public humiliation, agreed to provide financial assistance.
As the harassment escalated, Tabasam’s brother, Azim Uddin, also became involved in the extortion scheme. He allegedly threatened the victim, demanding that he marry his sister, Tabasam, or pay Rs 6 lakh as a bribe. The accused systematically collected money from the victim over a period of time, eventually amassing a total of Rs 2.5 crore through various threats and coercive tactics.
Escape and Arrests
The victim, exhausted and devastated by the ongoing harassment, finally decided to take action. He filed a complaint with the Police Commissioner, which led to a thorough investigation by the CCB. As the police began their inquiry, the accused fled Bengaluru and took refuge in Udupi district to evade capture.
Using technical surveillance and tracing the suspects’ whereabouts, the police tracked down the accused and arrested them in Udupi. Azim, Tabasam, and Abhishek were apprehended, and the authorities confiscated their mobile phones and laptops, which are expected to provide crucial evidence in the case.
The CCB has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed based on additional evidence. The police have assured the public that they are committed to cracking down on such criminal activities and are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. They instructed people to come forward and file complaint with police if they cheated or honey trapped by any such gang.
Victim’s Plight
The victim, a high-ranking employee in a software company, resides near R.T. Nagar with his family. Despite being in a position of influence, he was unable to escape the clutches of these criminals, who exploited his vulnerabilities for their own gain. The case highlights the serious issue of cyber blackmail and the dangers posed by individuals who use personal information to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
This case has drawn attention to the risks associated with online privacy and the need for greater awareness and protection, especially in the digital age where personal lives are increasingly exposed. Authorities have urged the public to be vigilant and report any such incidents promptly.
More honey trap cases ?
The arrest of the three individuals has brought some relief to the victim, but the emotional and financial toll on him remains substantial. The case is a stark reminder of the growing problem of extortion and online harassment, and the police are expected to continue their efforts in tracking down other criminals involved in similar activities.
As the investigation progresses, the hope is that justice will be served and the perpetrators will face the full consequences of their actions. Police launched thorough investigation to trace the accused involved in other such cases.
