Chikkamagaluru: In a bizarre and probably also first of its kind incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police of Chikkamagaluru happens to be the prime accused in an abduction and extortion case reported from Chikkamagaluru.

                                        Accused DySP Kallappa Handibhag and the victim Tejas Gowda

The accused is DySP Kallappa Handibhag, who has gone absconding after the issue came to light on Monday. The case revolves around the abduction of youth named Tejas Gowda.

As per sources, a gang of 23 gamblers were gambling at a den in Chikkakolale village here on June 27 when PSI raided and arrested 23 persons. They also confiscated Rs 3 lakhs from them.

One of the 23 persons arrested was Tejas Gowda, who got a station bail on same night with the help of a stranger named Abhi.

On June 25 late night, when Tejas was returning home, a gang of seven men in Scorpio waylay Tejas outside his residence and abducted him.

The gang took him to Bengaluru and kept forth a demand of Rs 10 lakhs. When Tejas refused to budge, he was threatened by the abductors. Frightened by the threatening, Tejas called up his friend named Pawan and pleaded him to arrange the money. However, Pawan managed to collect Rs 3 lakhs.

The rowdies who settled with the available money gave Pawan a phone number and asked him to contact another person and hand over the cash.

Pawan called and heard on the other end, “Thank you for calling Chikkamagaluru police. Safety of children, women and every citizen of the district is our responsibility”. (The caller tune of Chikkamagaluru police)

Below are the excerpts of the phone call:

Pawan: Hello sir. I am Pawan. Tejas asked me to call you. What is the amount should I get?
Accused: They have told you right? Its ten lakhs I think. Where are you?
Pawan: I will reach anywhere you call in fifteen minutes. I’ll be available till 11:30 pm.
Accused: Okay. I’ll call you back in two minutes.

(Another call)
Pawan: Sir, I am near Hindustan lodge.
Accused: Take right near the juice centre and come down the road.
Pawan: Sir, I have reached a mud road.
Accused: Come forward. There is a vehicle parked. Are you walking holding an umbrella?
Pawan: No sir, I am carrying a bag.
Accused: Alright. Come behind the police quarters. You know the quarters right? Come near the guest house there.

The plan went awry only when Pawan discovered that the person who received the money was none other than DySP Kallappa.

Further investigations are on.