Davanagere, 8 March

The police have arrested a four-member gang, including a nurse, for allegedly blackmailing a businessman in Vidyanagar in Davanagere and demanding lakhs of rupees from him.

The accused Sushmita, Bekkina Kanna Krishna, Rahul, and Channabasappa had reportedly befriended the victim by claiming financial distress and later attempted to extort money from him.

Sushmita works as a nurse at a private hospital.

According to the police, the 66-year-old businessman from Davanagere came into contact with Sushmita after she approached him, claiming that she was facing personal difficulties. Their acquaintance gradually developed into a friendship.

Later, Sushmita allegedly conspired with her associates and visited the businessman’s private apartment in Siddaveerappa Layout.

During the visit, the group reportedly recorded his video and later used it to blackmail him.

The accused allegedly threatened to release the video on social media and share it with the media if their demand was not met. The gang initially demanded Rs 25 lakh from the victim.

Under pressure, the businessman agreed to pay Rs 12 lakh, but the accused allegedly continued to harass him through repeated phone calls.

The accused then asked him to pay Rs 1 lakh to Anjaneya Layout, which he did.

Following a complaint, a police team launched an operation and arrested them.