Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Jan 4: A gang of six individuals impersonating Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials looted Rs 25 to 30 lac and five mobile phones from a residence in Kolnadu, Bantwal.

The incident occurred on January 3 at around 8:10 PM. According to the complaint filed by Mohammed Iqbal (27), a resident of Kolnadu and an agriculturist whose father runs a beedi business, the gang arrived at their house in a car with Tamil Nadu registration. They introduced themselves as ED officials and claimed to be conducting a raid, citing orders to inspect the house.

The gang entered the residence and confiscated five mobile phones from the family members. During the so-called inspection, they found approximately Rs 25 to 30 lac in cash stored in a cupboard in Iqbal's father’s room, which was reportedly kept for business purposes. The impersonators threatened Iqbal, stating, “You are not allowed to keep such a large amount of cash at home. We will arrest and take you into custody.”

After this, the gang left the house around 10:30 PM, claiming that documentation for the seized cash would be provided and that the amount could be collected from their Bengaluru office.

Later, upon discussing the incident with his family, Iqbal realized that the group had orchestrated a scam, acting as ED officials to loot the cash and mobile phones.

Based on Iqbal’s complaint, a case has been registered at Vittal police station under Sections 319(2) and 318(4) of the BNS Act 2023. The police have started an investigation.

Dakshina Kannada superintendent of police Yatish N, IPS, visited the crime scene to assess the situation and issued necessary instructions to expedite the search for the accused.