Vijayapura Kidnapping and Ransom Case: Eight Suspects Arrested by Police
Eight individuals have been arrested in Vijayapura for kidnapping a 22-year-old man in a targeted honey-trap scheme. Police successfully rescued the youth near Ghataprabha after a swift investigation into a 12 lakh rupee ransom demand. All suspects are in judicial custody.
Highlights
- •Eight suspects, including one woman, were arrested for a kidnapping plot in Vijayapura.
- •The victim was abducted as part of a honey-trap scheme targeting his family's wealth.
- •Police tracked the suspects to Ghataprabha, Belagavi, and successfully rescued the youth unharmed.
- •The investigation was completed within two days, leading to all suspects being placed in judicial custody.
Law enforcement authorities in Vijayapura have successfully dismantled a criminal gang following the targeted kidnapping of a 22-year-old youth. The incident, which involved a complex honey-trap scheme, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, including a female accomplice. This kidnapping and ransom case highlights the growing concerns regarding targeted criminal activities linked to financial information.
The victim, a resident of Kasturi Colony, was abducted on June 18, 2026, after being lured to a secluded area behind the Government Hospital by a female acquaintance. The suspects, who were aware that the victim’s family had recently sold a two-acre agricultural plot for Rs 26 lakh, demanded a ransom of Rs 12 lakh for his safe release. The abductors kept the victim captive while contacting his family to negotiate the payment.
Details of the Investigation and Rescue
Upon receiving a complaint from the victim's mother on June 19, the Gandhi Chowk Police Station prioritized the case. A specialized team led by PI Pradeep Talakeri and PSI Sushma Nandigon meticulously analyzed mobile phone call records and gathered intelligence to track the perpetrators. Their efforts led them to the Ghataprabha region in Belagavi district, where the rescue operation was successfully executed on June 21, 2026.
The investigation uncovered a calculated conspiracy involving multiple suspects. It was revealed that the victim had shared details about his family’s recent land sale with a colleague, Mohammad Rafiq, who then acted as an informant for the gang. The plan was facilitated through a connection with Ningappa Navadagi, who introduced the victim to a female student residing in the same PG accommodation. This individual then successfully used the honey-trap method to lure the victim to the meeting point where he was forcefully taken away in a Scorpio vehicle.
Suspects in Custody
Following the rescue of the youth, the police apprehended the remaining suspects, including the mastermind behind the scheme. The list of those arrested includes Gopal Madar (28), Ningappa Navadagi (27), Dasharath Madar (21), Shivanand Nandikolamath (25), Sunil Navi (20), and Shivakumar Hosatti (23), alongside Mohammad Rafiq and the female accomplice. The Vijayapura police have confiscated the vehicle used in the abduction and seven mobile phones as evidence. All eight suspects are currently being held in judicial custody as the legal proceedings continue. Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi expressed satisfaction with the efficiency of the investigation team in resolving this kidnapping and ransom ordeal within 48 hours.
