Raidurgam police arrest 8 of ransom, kidnap gang; IT hiring company spilled beans

HYDERABAD: The Raidurgam Police, under the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate, apprehended eight members of a notorious ransom kidnap gang on Tuesday.

The prime suspect, Polimera Mahendra, teamed up with an ex-manager and a police officer and formed a ransom gang to extort substantial amounts from their targets, with a specific focus on company directors.

Their primary target was Darshan Sugunakara Shetty, the director of AJA ADS India Private Limited. Shetty's company, renowned for its expertise in US IT recruiting and support, boasted a workforce of over 40 employees.

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On the night of January 26, 2024, the gang pretended to be officers, forcefully entered the company's office and disrupted regular operations. They even confiscated CCTV equipment, and pressurized Shetty to settle a fabricated complaint supposedly from US officials.

The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering Rs. 10 crores, the gang eventually settled for Rs. 2.3 crores in a forced negotiation. For the safety of his employees and the reputation of the company, Shetty agreed to pay the amount. However, constrained by time and resources, he could only arrange Rs. 71.80 lakhs.

In compliance with the gang's demands, Shetty transferred funds from the company's accounts to three employees' accounts – Rs. 26 lakhs to the complainant's account, Rs. 16.90 lakhs to Ravi's account, Rs. 16.90 lakhs to Chethan's account, and Rs. 12 lakhs to Hari Ponnada’s account. Despite his cooperation, the gang kidnapped the three employees and relocated them forcibly to Hotel Balcony in Madhapur and threatened to harm them if the remaining amount was not paid.

Responding promptly to the complaint filed by Darshan Sugunakara Shetty, the Raidurgam Police, under the guidance of Addl.Dy. Commissioner of Police Nandyala Narsimha Reddy, swiftly apprehended the gang on January 28, 2024, at 6 PM.

The accused confessed to their crimes during police interrogation. Commending the diligent efforts of the police teams, Narsimha Reddy acknowledged their pivotal role in apprehending the notorious ransom and kidnap gang.