Third Suspect Arrested in Abduction and Extortion of Kozhikode Youth
The Chevayur police have taken a third individual into custody in connection with the kidnapping, physical assault, and blackmail of a 23-year-old youth from Malaparamba. The victim was allegedly detained and threatened with the release of private photographs unless an ₹8 lakh payment was delivered by his family.
What Happened
According to police statements, the 23-year-old resident of Malaparamba was abducted last month from an apartment belonging to his friend in Bengaluru. He was subsequently transported to a leased residence located at Padinjattumuri, falling under the jurisdiction of the Chevayur police station. Investigators stated that the youth was confined, assaulted, and photographed nude. These images were then sent to his parents alongside a demand for ₹8 lakh in ransom.
A special investigation team headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police for the Kozhikode Medical College sub-division tracked down and arrested 33-year-old K. Akhil, also known as Kuttan, residing in Vellimadukunnu. Following his apprehension, Akhil was placed in judicial custody on Saturday, August 30, 2026. Police officials noted that Akhil had previously been named in an attempt-to-murder case.
Key Highlights
- Third accused identified as 33-year-old K. Akhil (alias Kuttan) from Vellimadukunnu, who was remanded in judicial custody.
- The victim was kidnapped from a friend’s Bengaluru flat and held in a rented home in Padinjattumuri within Chevayur police limits.
- The perpetrators demanded ₹8 lakh from the victim’s parents after sending them nude photographs of the youth taken during his captivity.
- Two other accused, Athul (alias Kuttan) of Parambil Bazaar and Jishnu Jayan of Mattannur, Kannur district, had been apprehended earlier.
- Police report that Akhil possesses an earlier record involving an attempt-to-murder case.
- Authorities are currently seeking five more suspects, including one woman and four men.
Why This Matters
The arrest highlights an interstate criminal operation that began with an abduction in Bengaluru and led to unlawful confinement and extortion in Kerala. The coordinated police action underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address organized ransom and digital blackmail schemes targeting families.
What to Watch Next
Investigators are expanding their search to locate the remaining five suspects linked to the case, comprising a woman and four other individuals. Court proceedings regarding the custody and charges against the three arrested men will continue as the investigation progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the latest person arrested in this case?
The latest suspect arrested is 33-year-old K. Akhil, also known as Kuttan, a native of Vellimadukunnu.
Where did the kidnapping take place?
The youth was abducted from his friend’s apartment located in Bengaluru before being transported to Padinjattumuri in Kozhikode.
How much ransom was demanded by the abductors?
The accused demanded a ransom of ₹8 lakh from the victim’s parents after sending them private photographs of the youth.
Who else has been arrested so far?
Prior to Akhil’s arrest, the police arrested Athul (alias Kuttan) from Parambil Bazaar and Jishnu Jayan from Mattannur in Kannur district.
Source: The Hindu