Udupi: Three Hindu Jagarana Vedike members held for kidnap, robbery of share dealer

Udupi: Police officials have arrested three persons in connection with the abduction and robbery of a share dealer in Udupi.

The arrested accused are identified as Santosh Bovi, Anil Poojary and Mani alias Manikanta Kharvi, members of Hindu Jagarana Vedike (HJV).  The victim identified as  Ashok Kumar S (25), a native of the Tumakuru district,  had set up a share dealing business in the Vadiraja complex, Udupi.

It is said that on July 16, Santosh visited the victim Ashok’s office, and took him in a car in the guise of having discussions on business proposals.

Upon reaching Ajjarkad,  four others boarded the car and covered Ashok’s face with a mask. They took him to a resort near the sea and threatened him.

They then stole two lakh rupees cash, two mobile phones, and a wristwatch from Ashok. After which, they demanded ransom of Rs 70 lakh.

The next morning, the accused took Ashok Kumar to a bank to withdraw ten lakh rupees from his account. One of the accused entered the bank along with Ashok while others waited outside.

Upon entering the bank, Ashok rushed towards the manager and screamed that he has been robbed. Soon after, the man accompanying him escaped.

On the basis of the complaint, police officials were successful in nabbing the accused. They seized a pistol, Rs 1.35 lakh in cash, and a mobile phone from the accused. They will be produced in court on July 23.