Bengaluru, 29 Oct (H.S.): Bengaluru police rescued two software professionals within six hours of receiving a kidnapping complaint and arrested 11 suspects, but the investigation took an unexpected turn when a woman among those detained accused one of the rescued men of rape.

Police subsequently registered a separate rape case and arrested both software professionals, identified as B. Mahendra and his roommate, Yerriboyina Tarun, both aged 23. The account available did not specify the allegations against Tarun in the separate case.

The kidnapping investigation began after Mahendra’s father, Ramana, a resident of Andhra Pradesh, approached Marathahalli police. He reported that his son and Tarun had been abducted from Bengaluru’s Marathahalli area between 2.50 a.m. and 6 a.m.

A special team led by Marathahalli police inspector Puneeth B.N. examined CCTV footage and used technical information to trace the suspects. Officers conducted operations at several locations, rescued both men unharmed and arrested 11 people allegedly involved in the abduction.

During questioning, a 21-year-old woman arrested in connection with the kidnapping alleged that Mahendra had raped her between 1.30 a.m. and 4 a.m. on October 24.

According to police, the woman had not initially reported the alleged assault. Investigators said the suspects instead conspired to abduct Mahendra in retaliation, and subsequently demanded money.

Deputy Commissioner of Police for Whitefield division, Saidulu Adavath, said revenge appeared to be the initial motive behind the kidnapping, with a monetary demand emerging after the abduction.

Following the rescue operation, the woman lodged a formal complaint, prompting Marathahalli police to register the separate rape case.

The two investigations concern distinct allegations: the abduction and subsequent demand for money, and the sexual assault alleged by the woman. Police said the rape complaint emerged during questioning of the kidnapping suspects, leading to the subsequent arrests of the two men they had rescued.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman