Honey-Trap Extortion Racket Busted in Andhra Pradesh

In a significant breakthrough, Andhra Pradesh police have dismantled a honey-trap extortion gang that operated in and around Anantapur rural mandal, resulting in the arrest of five individuals accused of extorting money through threats and coercion.

According to Anantapur rural DSP T Venkatesulu, the group, spearheaded by prime suspect Mamillapalli Rangamma, systematically targeted victims, trapping them in compromising positions before extorting money. The case came to light after a complaint from a Bengaluru resident, K Uday Bhaskar Reddy, who was lured into a trap under the guise of a drone survey.

Reddy reported being assaulted, photographed in the nude, and blackmailed for Rs 4 lakh by the gang. Investigations revealed the syndicate extorted nearly Rs 1 crore using similar tactics on around 20 victims. During the police crackdown, Rs 13 lakh in cash and other incriminating evidence were seized from the accused, all of whom have been taken into custody.

(With inputs from agencies.)