Mangaluru: Employee arrested for blackmailing employer with morphed private videos, demanded Rs 2 crore

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 25, 2026: In a shocking case of betrayal, an employee who was expected to stand by his employer allegedly turned against him and attempted to extort money using morphed private videos. The accused has been identified as Abhishek Surendra Poojary, a native of Kapu in Udupi district, who was working at a reputed institution in Mangaluru.

The incident dates back two years. Abhishek reportedly convinced the institution’s owner to travel to Dubai, claiming there was high demand there for their training services. Trusting his employee, the owner accompanied him. However, it was later discovered that there was no such demand.

During their stay in Dubai, Abhishek allegedly recorded the owner’s private moments without consent. After returning to Mangaluru, he began threatening the employer, claiming he possessed not only the owner’s video but also a video of his daughter. He demanded a staggering Rs 2 crore to delete the footage and allegedly instructed that the money be transferred to the bank account of his wife, Srinidhi Patil.

When the demand was not met, Abhishek reportedly escalated the matter by editing and morphing the videos and circulating them via WhatsApp to principals of reputed colleges in Mangaluru and Udupi.

Unable to bear the blackmail, the employer’s daughter approached Urwa Police Station and filed a complaint. Following a swift investigation, police arrested Abhishek. Further inquiry is underway to determine the role of his wife, Srinidhi, in the case.