Accident Sparked Abduction, Extortion Plot Against Former Karnataka MLC: Police

A conspiracy to abduct and extort money from a former Karnataka Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) has been foiled with the arrest of four people, police said. The alleged plot, which involved a ransom demand of ₹10 crore, reportedly stemmed from a dispute following a minor traffic accident in December last year.

According to Bengaluru Rural superintendent of police M V Chandra Kanth, the incident began when a cab driven by accused B Praveen collided with the former MLC Dayananda Reddy's vehicle. Although the accident was minor, a subsequent dispute led to Praveen's vehicle being held for three days by associates of Reddy. Praveen eventually paid ₹1.5 lakh to retrieve his vehicle, but investigators believe this episode fostered resentment that fueled the later abduction plot.

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One of the accused showed a cotton box and told the victim that a gift had arrived for him. As soon as the vehicle door was opened, the accused forcibly entered the car and threatened him with a firearm.

Investigators allege that Praveen, along with three associates from Kerala, spent months planning the operation. They reportedly intercepted Reddy's vehicle near Huskur, Anekal taluk, under the pretense of delivering a package. Once the car door was opened, they allegedly forced their way in, threatened Reddy with a firearm, and took him to the KHB Colony area near Attibele. The group then reportedly claimed a contract had been issued to kill him, attempting to pressure him for money.

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