Bengaluru Techie Extorted of ₹2 Lakh by Gang After Dating App Meeting

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A Bengaluru-based software professional was coerced into paying ₹2 lakh to an extortion gang after visiting a woman he connected with on a dating app, police have revealed. Six suspects, including the woman who posed as a business analyst, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to police, the techie met the woman who claimed to work in business analytics and had Rajasthani roots via a popular dating app. After weeks of online conversation, the pair met for coffee at a mall in Yelahanka on July 18. The woman then invited the techie to her residence in Ramagondanahalli village, a property allegedly rented for criminal activity.

At home, the woman offered drinks before four men entered, one identified as her landlord. They accused the victim of consuming drugs and produced packets of white powder from her vanity bag, claiming it was narcotics. In reality, police say the substance was baking soda planted to intimidate him. The woman locked herself in a room and broke down, saying her life was ruined.

The men demanded a settlement of ₹15 lakh but later agreed to accept ₹2 lakh, which the techie paid to secure his release. After the ordeal, he approached the police on July 21, leading to the revelation of the extortion plot.

Yelahanka Police arrested six individuals involved: Sangeeta Sahni (36), the woman; Sharanabasappa Baliger (50); Raju Maane (34); Abhishek (19); Beerabal Majjagi (21); and Shyam Sundar Pande (20). Baliger is a repeat offender linked to a similar crime, police said. All six are now in custody, and authorities are verifying their backgrounds and connections.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, North East Division, confirmed the operation targeted a premeditated scheme where the woman and her accomplices lured the techie into a trap. Investigators suspect this may not be the first time the group has carried out such activity and have urged others who may have had similar experiences to come forward.

Police are reviewing digital communications and travel records to map the entire network. The case underscores growing concerns over crimes originating through online dating platforms, where victims are vulnerable to manipulation and fraud.