BENGALURU: What initially appeared to be an attempted abduction on a busy Bengaluru road has taken a different turn, with police alleging that the three men who tried to take a 21-year-old woman away had been sent by her in-laws. The woman was allegedly forced into a Hyundai Venue on Wednesday evening, triggering a chase on Magadi Road that ended after members of the public intercepted the vehicle.
Abductors ‘watched’ husband for days
Police said Rakesh, 31, Karan, 28, and Ayan, 18, all from Pali in Rajasthan, were hired by the woman’s father-in-law to bring her back to Rajasthan. The three allegedly reached Bengaluru around 10 days before the incident and stayed at a hotel near Majestic.They allegedly kept watch on the woman’s husband, Ramesh (name changed), by parking their vehicle some distance from his house and monitoring his movements. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Saddam, has not yet been arrested.Based on the woman’s complaint, Magadi Road police arrested the three men. A senior police officer said Ramesh’s parents would also be arrested for their alleged role in planning and executing the abduction.
Men tricked woman into opening door
According to police, the three men approached the woman’s house and told her they had been sent by her father. Believing them, she opened the door and accompanied them to the Hyundai Venue.The woman allegedly realised that she was being taken against her will only after the men made a video call to Ramesh’s mother.In her complaint, she alleged that her mother-in-law had threatened her with dire consequences if she refused to leave her husband, who lives in Agrahara Dasarahalli, and return to Rajasthan with the men.She also alleged that the men misbehaved with her while forcing her into the car.
A chase
The alleged abduction soon turned into a road chase after the driver tried to flee, ramming into several vehicles and injuring a few people, including a nine-year-old girl.Videos showing members of the public pursuing the Hyundai Venue and thrashing its occupants later went viral.The woman told the people who intercepted the vehicle that she had married a man from another caste and was being forcibly taken back to Rajasthan. She then sought their help.
Family opposed marriage
Ramesh told police that both families had opposed their relationship. The couple subsequently opted for a court marriage in February.Ramesh, who has been living and working in Bengaluru for more than a decade, brought his wife to the city after the couple cited a threat to their lives. They initially stayed at a close relative’s house before moving into a newly constructed house on the second floor of a rented residential building.
‘Mow down’ everyone
The woman alleged in her complaint that the abductors instructed Saddam to “mow down” anyone who came in their way.“The vehicle was being driven rashly and brushed against other vehicles on the road. Instead of stopping, the driver pressed the accelerator and tried to flee. We were followed for around 2km before the car was blocked. Seeing the crowd, I shouted for help,” she said.