Youth Congress Functionary, Associate Arrested in ₹2.77 Crore Honey-Trap Extortion Case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 9, 2026: Police have arrested a local Youth Congress functionary, Nizam, and his associate Jithesh in connection with an alleged honey-trap and extortion racket that reportedly extracted ₹2.77 crore from a prominent businessman over nearly two years.

According to a complaint filed at the Urwa Police Station, Jithesh allegedly honey-trapped the businessman in 2024 and later used intimate photographs and videos to blackmail him. He is accused of threatening to expose the material to the victim’s family and initially demanding ₹35 lakh.

Police investigations revealed that the businessman had approached Nizam, a Youth Congress office-bearer, seeking assistance. However, investigators allege that Nizam subsequently joined Jithesh in the extortion scheme.

The accused allegedly fabricated a story claiming that Jithesh had died by suicide in May 2024. The businessman was reportedly shown a purported suicide note carrying his name, along with photographs purportedly depicting Jithesh’s death and funeral ceremonies. Using these materials, the accused allegedly threatened to implicate him in a criminal case and have him jailed unless he made substantial payments.

Fearing damage to his reputation and possible legal consequences, the businessman allegedly continued paying money to the accused between 2024 and 2026, with the total amount reaching ₹2.77 crore.

The alleged fraud came to light in June 2026 when the businessman reportedly spotted Jithesh alive in Mangaluru despite having been led to believe he was dead. Realising he had been deceived, he approached the police and lodged a complaint.

Based on the complaint, police arrested both Nizam and Jithesh. Further investigation is underway.