Four arrested for robbing man after luring him through dating app in Bengaluru’s Electronics City

Investigators found that the complainant had been using a dating application and had chatted with an unidentified person on October 13. | Image for representational purposes only

The Electronics City police have arrested four persons for allegedly assaulting and robbing a man after luring him through a dating application, and extorting money from him via UPI transactions. A mobile phone and a two-wheeler allegedly used in the commission of the offence have been seized. The total value of the seized property is estimated at ₹30,000.

The accused have been identified as Rishiraj Singh, 18, Vamshi, 21, Venkatesh, 25, and Darshan, 24. All four are residents of different localities in and around Electronic City.

According to the police, the complainant, a resident of Bettadasanapura Main Road, stated that he was robbed on the night of October 13 while walking along Podu Road after collecting a food parcel.

He initially alleged that a man standing near a scooter in front of an e-commerce warehouse approached him from behind, covered his mouth with a cloth, and rendered him unconscious. On regaining consciousness, he claimed to have found himself in an isolated location where five persons threatened him with a knife, assaulted him and snatched his mobile phone. The gang allegedly forced him to reveal his phone and UPI passwords, transferred money from his bank account and contacted his relatives and friends to obtain further money transfers.

However, during the investigation, the police discovered a different sequence of events. Investigators found that the complainant had been using a dating application and had chatted with an unidentified person on October 13. He had shared his location through the application and invited the person to meet him. He subsequently accompanied the person on his two-wheeler.

The police said the investigation revealed that the complainant had not been abducted, as initially alleged, and that his complaint contained a false version of the incident. However, the person he had met through the application, along with four associates, had allegedly assaulted and robbed him and forcibly obtained money through UPI transactions.

On October 18, the police apprehended three accused near Mailasandra Circle. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to their involvement and disclosed the identity of another associate.

Acting on the information, the police arrested the fourth accused near a temple at Bettadasanapura on October 19. A two-wheeler and two mobile phones were recovered from him. He too allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime.

All four accused were produced before a court on October 19 and remanded in judicial custody. Another associate allegedly involved in the robbery is absconding, and efforts are under way to trace him. Further investigation is in progress.