Seven Arrested, Two Absconding in Kota Kidnapping and Ransom Case; KCOCA Invoked
Kota: In a significant development, Kota police have apprehended seven individuals allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Tejas, son of Mohan Das Shetty of Siddapur village. The suspects have been booked under the stringent Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) of 2000, reflecting the organized nature of the crime. Two principal accused remain at large, prompting an intensive police search.
The incident was initially reported when Tejas’s friend, Prajwal, informed Mohan Das Shetty of the abduction, which purportedly occurred near the Coastal Paradise Hotel in Sasthan. Upon arriving at the scene, Shetty discovered his son’s vehicle (KA-15-Z-0007) with the key left conspicuously underneath. Prajwal’s statement indicated that Tejas had contacted him via WhatsApp, claiming abduction by 2-3 unidentified individuals acting on Manoj Kodikere’s instructions.
Subsequent WhatsApp communications revealed the kidnappers’ demands. Initially setting the ransom at Rs 50 lakh, the accused later escalated the demand to Rs 3 crore, issuing threats against Tejas’s life if payment was not fulfilled. The Kota Police Station registered the case under Crime No. 208/2025, in accordance with the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation led law enforcement to conclude that the kidnapping was executed with meticulous planning and coordination, prompting the invocation of the KCOCA Act.
A team led by Kundapur Sub-Division Deputy Superintendent of Police H.D. Kulkarni successfully apprehended seven individuals: Devi Prasad Shetty alias Dikshit (33), Sujith (27), Sudeep (22), Shrisha Anand Shetty (35), Mithun alias Mithun Kaikamba (20), Suhas (31), and Manoj V. Kotian (34). All seven were presented before the court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
Authorities are currently seeking Manoj Kodikere (42) and Chetan Padil alias Chetan Kulal (38), identified as the primary instigators, who are evading arrest. Manoj Kodikere has a substantial criminal history, with 18 cases registered against him in Mangaluru city and 2 in the Udupi district. Chetan Padil also has a significant record, facing 11 cases in Mangaluru city and 2 in Udupi district.
The police are urging the public to assist in apprehending the absconding suspects. DSP H.D. Kulkarni has provided his contact number (9480805422) for information sharing. A reward of Rs 50,000 has been offered for any credible information leading to their arrest, with assurances of complete confidentiality for informants.
