Belthangady: Alleged kidnapping of college student turns out to be hoax

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 10, 2026: In a major twist in the alleged kidnapping attempt of a college student that had created widespread curiosity in Belthangady, police investigation has revealed that the entire episode was fabricated.

The case involving an underage college student, who claimed she was nearly abducted while on her way to Kashibettu Government College, has fallen apart after police found that she had inflicted injuries on herself using a blade and staged the incident.

The student had earlier alleged that masked men travelling in a car stopped her scooter near Sudemugera and attempted to kidnap her, during which she was attacked with a knife. Following her complaint, she was admitted to the Belthangady Government Hospital. As the incident caused a major stir, Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja and senior police officers visited the hospital, enquired about her health and gathered details of the incident.

She had told police that the car’s number plate was covered with cloth, that three masked men were inside the vehicle, and that they fled after noticing a bike approaching from behind. Based on her statement, police launched an investigation and examined CCTV footage in the surrounding areas. However, as no corroborative evidence was found, police questioned the student further to obtain specific details such as the colour of the car, the model and the exact location of the incident. She reportedly became confused and failed to give consistent answers.

During sustained questioning, the student eventually confessed that the kidnapping attempt was false. She told police that she had fabricated the story in order to shift from a rural college to a college in Mangaluru city. To make the story appear real, she admitted to cutting her own hand with a blade. She also revealed that she had burned her books near her house and claimed that the alleged kidnappers had taken away her bag.

Police grew suspicious after examining the nature of her injuries and the inconsistencies in her statements. Upon detailed interrogation, the underage student admitted to narrating a false story, leaving even the police surprised.

With the truth coming to light, the alleged kidnapping case has been closed, bringing the sensational episode to an end.