BENGALURU: A 41-year-old businessman and his driver were allegedly abducted by unidentified men and robbed of Rs 1.09 crore in cash, police said. The incident took place on Monday within the jurisdiction of the Madanayakanahalli Police Station.According to a complaint filed by the businessman, RI Shivashankar, he and his driver, Chethan, were returning home in a car after collecting Rs 74 lakh from a hotel in Yelahanka following a meeting with business associates.Shivashankar also stated that he had Rs 35 lakh in cash at his residence, which had been collected earlier from a hotel in Kodigehalli, news agency PTI reported.As per the FIR, the victim’s car was intercepted near Kadasanagara Colony by two vehicles. Seven unidentified men, allegedly armed with knives and beer bottles, forced the duo out of the car, assaulted them, and abducted them.The accused reportedly threatened to kill the victims. The FIR stated that after learning about the Rs 35 lakh kept at Shivashankar’s house, the accused coerced his wife into handing over the cash.The assailants later released the businessman and his driver, PTI reported.Police said the Rs 74 lakh kept in the car was also missing. The total cash allegedly looted in the incident amounted to Rs 1.09 crore.A case has been registered against seven unidentified persons under Sections 140(2) (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder or for ransom) and 310(2) (dacoity) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).An investigation is currently underway to verify the allegations and to identify and arrest those involved, police said.(With agency inputs)
