A sensational case of suspected honeytrap, assault, and attempted kidnapping has come to light in Madikeri after a youth from Mandya district managed to escape his attackers and run directly to the city police station.
The victim, identified as Mahadeva from Maddur, Mandya district, traveled to Madikeri to meet a woman he had befriended on Facebook. The encounter, however, turned into a terrifying ordeal.
The Trap and Overnight Assault
The incident unfolded on Thursday night in the Mangaladevi Nagar area of Madikeri. Upon arriving at the designated meeting spot, Mahadeva was allegedly ambushed, not by the woman, but by three young men.
The victim claims he was trapped, confined to a house overnight, and severely beaten by the trio. The attackers reportedly used various weapons during the assault. Furthermore, they demanded a substantial sum of money from Mahadeva, indicating a clear motive of extortion and blackmail, fueling the police’s suspicion of a well-planned honeytrap operation.
Dramatic Escape and Kidnapping Attempt
In a dramatic twist, Mahadeva managed to escape the house early the next morning. Injured and terrified, he ran onto the street seeking help. The attackers, however, immediately pursued him.
The pursuit intensified when the three men attempted to force Mahadeva into an auto-rickshaw, trying to kidnap him from the roadside. This critical attempt was captured on a nearby CCTV camera, providing the police with vital evidence.
Managing to evade the kidnapping attempt as well, Mahadeva ran continuously until he reached the safety of the Madikeri City Police Station.
Police Launch Manhunt
Mahadeva has filed a detailed complaint with the Madikeri City Police, detailing the assault, confinement, and attempted kidnapping. The police have registered a case and are taking the matter seriously, particularly due to the suspected honeytrap angle.
"We have registered a case based on the victim's complaint and have initiated a search operation for the three accused youths," said a Madikeri police official. "The weapons reportedly used in the assault have been recovered. The circumstances surrounding the Facebook contact and the entire sequence of events are currently under intense investigation to confirm the honeytrap motive."
The police are now reviewing the CCTV footage of the kidnapping attempt as they intensify the hunt for the three absconding suspects.
