Mysuru, 16 June

Periyapatna police have busted a honey-trapping and extortion racket involving a head constable and four others, including a woman, who allegedly targeted a local businessman.

The arrested include Head Constable Shivanna alias Papanna of Hunsur Rural Police Station, and Murthy alias Makanahalli Dasa Bhovi of Periyapatna taluk, identified as the prime accused. A 23-year-old woman and two others were also taken into custody.

According to police, the woman befriended cloth merchant Dineshkumar of Kampalapura town after visiting his shop on 11 June. The two exchanged phone numbers and continued communicating. On 14 June, the woman lured Dineshkumar to a secluded house near Maradiyur on Bylakuppe Road.

While inside, three men, including Murthy, barged in and photographed the businessman in a compromising position with the woman. They threatened to leak the photos on social media and demanded ₹10 lakh. The gang instructed Dineshkumar to hand over the money to Constable Shivanna.

Instead, Dineshkumar’s brother Mahendra Chowdhary, who was asked to bring the money, alerted Periyapatna Police. Acting swiftly, Inspector Raveesh and his team conducted a detailed investigation, leading to the arrests.

A case has been registered at Bettadapura Police Station, and further investigation is underway. Police say the racket may have targeted other businessmen using similar tactics.

The arrest of a serving police officer has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the involvement of law enforcement in criminal networks. Authorities have assured strict action against all those involved.