An appalling episode of kidnapping and assault attributed to an argument over a love marriage was reported in Bengaluru, where a temple priest was reported to have been kidnapped, tied up and beaten by the family members of a girl who eloped with his younger brother. The story was reported in the Byadarahalli area, leaving residents stunned.
It Was Triggered by a Love Affair
Police sources said a man named Shivakumar, who lived in Byadarahalli, was in a relationship with a young woman. But the girl’s family loudly objected to their relationship.
However, the couple recently eloped from their homes. Infuriated by the incident and unable to trace Shivakumar, the girl’s father, Basavaraj, and his relatives reportedly picked on Shivakumar’s elder brother Kotresh instead.
Priest Allegedly Kidnapped
According to reports, Kotresh was a priest at a local temple. The accused allegedly approached him under the pretext of taking him to a police station for questioning. Trusting them, Kotresh got into their vehicle. However, instead of taking him to the police station, the accused allegedly kidnapped him and took him to an undisclosed location where they tied his hands and legs before brutally assaulting him.
Video Recorded to Threaten Family. Police said the accused allegedly recorded videos while assaulting Kotresh. The video said that the victim was pushed to plead with his younger brother to surrender and to return the girl to him. The accused allegedly sent the disturbing video clips to Kotresh’s relatives as a threat, with panic spreading through the family.
Police Rescue Operation
Upon the video being received, Kotresh’s family members went straight to Byadarahalli Police Station and lodged a complaint. Police immediately opened an operation to seize and rescue Kotresh from his captivity. All three people charged in the case, authorities said, including the girl’s father, Basavaraj, are reportedly being detained.
Officials said notices have been sent to the accused, and investigations are in progress. Initial investigation indicates extreme anger over the daughter running and animosity toward the boy’s family prompted the savage act.
The incident again raised concerns about violent recourses arising from interpersonally bound love marriages or family honour disputes in society as a whole.
