Bengaluru: I-T Officer's son murdered by family-friend and neighbor
What's the story
Police said Bengaluru Income Tax Officer Niranjan Kumar's 19-year-old son, Sharath, who was abducted for Rs. 50L ransom ten days ago, was strangled to death by the kidnappers. Shockingly, the mastermind of the crime was a family friend and neighbor, Vishal. Sharath's body was found buried at a quarry on Bengaluru outskirts. The victim was reportedly murdered soon after he was kidnapped. Know more!
Information
Four of the five culprits arrested: Police
Bengaluru Police Commissioner, T Suneel Kumar, said they had arrested four of the five abductors - 21-year-old mastermind HP Vishal, 24-year old Vinay Prasad (Vicky), 22-year-old Karan Pai, and 24-year-old Vinod Kumar. Cops are searching for the fifth accused, Shanta Kumar, who is absconding.
Kidnap Plan
Vishal, Vicky hatch conspiracy; rope in three aides: Bengaluru CP
Vishal was a diploma student and RTO tout; Vicky, a taxi driver, knew Vishal through his niece. Vishal told Vicky his neighbor was a rich I-T Officer and they can make money by kidnapping his son. The duo roped in another driver Vinod, factory worker Pai, and Shanta Kumar. Police said, "Vishal and Vicky convinced others, saying they can settle down in life."
Details
Sharath was an automobile engineering student
On 12 September, Sharath left home in his new car and told his parents he would be back soon. When he didn't return, his worried parents tried to contact him. After two days, he sent a WhatsApp video message asking his parents to arrange Rs. 50L to pay ransom to abductors. Following his parents' complaint, the police began searching for him, but failed.
Dead Body
Abductors decided to dispose of the body in quarry
The abductors' plan reportedly failed after which mastermind Vishal ordered the others to kill the victim at a time when five police teams were searching for him. After strangling Sharath, they tied stones to the body and threw it in the Ramohalli Lake. On 20 September, when the body surfaced, they buried it in a quarry near Machanabele Dam, 5km away from the lake.