Thrissur: The Kerala police on Tuesday nabbed an extortion gang who were cyber bullying a doctor hailing from Thrissur via WhatsApp calls and messages.
The doctor repeatedly got WhatsApp messages from Naufia, a Mannuthi native. As the messages were from an unknown number, the doctor did not initially respond. Soon threats followed and demands for money were raised, and was even told that a sexual assault complaint would be given.
As the doctor refused to give in, a man called on to his phone next. That too, an internet call made from abroad. But when it became a constant nuisance, the doctor approached the police.
Police set up the trap
The cops had been using the doctor's WhatsApp for the past few days. Mannuthy native Naufia and the man, who is aboard, sought Rs 3 lakh. The police replied to the message, agreeing to give the money. They then got a message that a woman from Bengaluru would arrive to collect the money.
Woman from Bengaluru
The woman from Bengaluru got off at the Thrissur railway station, and contacted the doctor over WhatsApp. She also informed about the place and time for collecting the money. Then, women police team, Thrissur Assistant Commissioner of Police V K Raju and Thrissur West Sub-Inspector Baiju set out to nab the woman.
When the woman came up to the doctor's car, she was nabbed by the police. This woman was identified as Nisa, a Kayamkulam native.
The 29-year-old woman is reportedly a fitness trainer in Bengaluru.
Frequent calls
Nisa's phone kept ringing as she was being taken to the police station. The police asked her to attend the call with the phone on loudspeaker mode. The caller, Mannuthi native Naufia, said "Where is the Rs 3 lakh? Don't try to flee. Need to meet soon."
The police then instructed Nisa to ask Naufia to come to a certain place in the city. When Naufia turned up at that place in order to take Rs 3 lakh, women police accosted her.
Who made calls from abroad?
The police have reportedly got leads on the person who made calls from abroad. The police suspect a gang that targeted the rich was behind the crime. Most of those who fall prey to such gangs do not approach the police, fearing disgrace. But in this case, the doctor's move to contact the police led to the arrest of the culprits.
