Gang of 11 arrested for abducting, assaulting film director to recover money

The Adugodi police have arrested 11 persons for allegedly kidnapping a film director, brutally assaulting him, fracturing his leg and robbing him of gold ornaments and cash following a financial dispute linked to a movie project.

According to the police, the victim, Avinash, a short film director from Tamil Nadu who had recently made his debut feature film, lodged a complaint on February 11 at the Adugodi Police Station.

In his complaint, he stated that one of the accused had invested money in his yet-to-be-released film. Financial differences cropped up during the project, following which the director filed a cheating complaint against one of the investors in Tamil Nadu. He had also allegedly refused to pay certain dues claimed by other artistes, including a woman who played a lead role in the film.

Police said the accused, who learnt about the complaint filed in Tamil Nadu, allegedly conspired to “teach him a lesson”.

Lured to city

About two months ago, the director shifted from Bengaluru to Mumbai. During this period, he informed a female actor friend residing in Indiranagar that he was planning to sell his car in Bengaluru. The accused allegedly learnt about this and offered to help him find a buyer.

On February 9, they called him from Mumbai to Bengaluru on the pretext of purchasing his car. After he arrived, he was allegedly called to a location within the limits of Adugodi police station, where he was kidnapped in a car.

The police said the accused took him to a house under the jurisdiction of Byadarahalli police station, where he was wrongfully confined. Five or six people allegedly assaulted him using cricket stumps and hockey sticks, causing severe injuries and fracturing his leg. They also robbed him of the gold ornaments and cash that he had on him.

The accused later allegedly drove him to Mandaragiri Hill near Panditanahalli in Tumakuru district, where two more persons joined them and continued the assault.

During the ordeal, the victim reportedly pleaded with the accused, assuring them that he would settle the financial dispute and requesting medical treatment. The accused eventually admitted him to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Bengaluru.

From the hospital, the victim managed to alert the police. A team rushed to the spot, provided security to him and began tracking down the accused.

11 arrested

During the investigation, the police examined multiple angles and secured a total of 11 accused persons, including one woman. Upon interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to their involvement.

Police seized six mobile phones linked to the offence, gold ornaments, a car and cash from their possession. The accused were produced before the jurisdictional court and remanded to judicial custody.

A case has been registered under sections relating to kidnapping, attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy.