What was supposed to be an early morning food run for four college students ended in a harrowing ordeal of abduction and extortion. The students, who had traveled to the outskirts of Bengaluru for the famous Hoskote Dum Biryani, were intercepted, held hostage, and robbed of nearly ₹1.8 lakh via digital transfers.
The Ambush at Medahalli
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday within the jurisdiction of the Avalahalli Police Station. According to police reports, the four students were returning to the city after having biryani in Hoskote around 6:00 AM.
As they reached Medahalli, a gang of six to seven miscreants on motorcycles blocked their path. The attackers reportedly:
- Seized two motorcycles belonging to the students.
- Confiscated their mobile phones at knifepoint.
- Forced digital transfers: The robbers accessed the students' UPI apps and transferred ₹1.8 lakh to various accounts.
Hostage Situation and Ransom Demands
The ordeal did not end with the initial robbery. The miscreants allegedly held the students hostage in an isolated area and used their phones to call their friends and families, demanding more money for their release.
The nightmare ended when police patrolling the area or acting on a tip-off (investigation pending) caused the gang to panic and flee, leaving the students behind.
Police Action and Arrests
Following a formal complaint at the Avalahalli station, the police launched a swift manhunt. One suspect, identified as Arfat Ahmed (24), a resident of G. Halli with a prior criminal record, has been arrested.
"We have secured one accused and recovered a portion of the evidence. Teams have been formed to track down the remaining six members of the gang," a senior police official stated.
Safety Advisory for Early Morning Foodies
The popularity of "Hoskote Biryani" often draws thousands of youngsters between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Authorities have issued a fresh advisory:
- Travel in Groups: Avoid isolated stretches like the Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) in small numbers.
- Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep expensive phones and gadgets out of sight.
- Be Mindful of Timing: Stick to well-lit, populated areas during the commute.
