A businessman in Bengaluru has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting and blackmailing a woman customs officer, with investigators now examining whether the case is part of a broader pattern of exploitation, police said on Sunday.
The accused, identified as M Kripalani, was taken into custody following a complaint filed by the officer, who approached the police after prolonged alleged harassment.
According to investigators, the accused and the officer had known each other for nearly nine years. Police said he had gained her trust by presenting himself as being in a relationship, and later used that familiarity to allegedly threaten and exploit her, including by warning that private photos and videos would be made public.
Confirming the arrest, Pulikeshinagara police inspector B Govindaraju said the inquiry was based on the officer’s complaint.
A case was registered under section 376 (rape) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said the accused runs an electronics business and is also being examined for possible illegal activities linked to evasion of customs regulations.
Investigators are also looking into financial transactions linked to the accused and previous allegations of misconduct involving women officials, raising the possibility that there could be additional victims.
The investigation is ongoing, with officials examining whether the case is linked to a wider network of alleged fraud and coercion.
