Two techies were rescued after a kidnapping in Bengaluru, but the case took an unexpected turn when both were arrested in a separate rape case. The complaint was filed by a woman who was among those arrested for the alleged kidnapping.
What happened before the kidnapping, and why are police investigating two separate cases? Here’s what we know so far.
What Happened In Bengaluru?
According to NDTV, the incident began in the early hours of Wednesday, 28 October, in Bengaluru's Marathahalli area.
B Mahendra, a 23-year-old software professional from Andhra Pradesh, and his roommate, Tarun, were allegedly kidnapped between 2:50 am and 6 am. Mahendra's father, B Ramana, approached the Marathahalli police after reporting that his son had been abducted.
Police examined CCTV footage and analysed technical information to trace the suspects. They rescued both men within six hours of the kidnapping complaint being registered.
Investigators subsequently arrested 11 people, including a 21-year-old woman, over their alleged involvement in the abduction.
According to the police, the accused allegedly conspired to kidnap the two men and demand ransom money from Mahendra's father. The suspects were taken into custody as the investigation continued.
The Rape Complaint Behind The Kidnapping
The investigation took another turn when the woman arrested in the kidnapping case filed a rape complaint against Mahendra.
According to reports, she alleged that Mahendra raped her between 1:30 am and 4 am on 24 October. She is reportedly Tarun’s girlfriend. The woman also alleged that Tarun helped Mahendra and confined her to a room during the incident.
Police registered a separate rape case and arrested both Mahendra and Tarun after questioning them.
Investigators suspect the alleged assault was linked to the kidnapping on 28 October. According to reports, the woman and her associates allegedly planned to abduct the two techies in retaliation and demand ransom money from Mahendra’s father.
The alleged assault took place four days before the kidnapping, according to the reported timeline. Police are investigating both cases to establish what happened and the roles of those involved.
What Is The Police Action, And What Does The Law Say?
Police examined CCTV footage and technical data to trace those allegedly involved in the kidnapping. The 11 people arrested in the case included the 21-year-old woman who later filed the rape complaint, along with Raj Kumar, Manjunath, Lokanath, Suhail, Narendra Reddy, Shiva Subramanyam, Saleem Pasha, Nayeem Pasha, Shabaz and Rajesh.
Police subsequently registered a separate rape case against B Mahendra and Tarun following the woman's complaint.
Under Indian law, both cases must be investigated on their own evidence, even if the incidents are connected. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, defines rape under Section 63 and prescribes punishment under Section 64. Investigators must establish the circumstances of both incidents and the alleged roles of those involved before the cases proceed through the courts.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
What happened in the Bengaluru techies kidnapping case?
Two software professionals, B Mahendra and Tarun, were allegedly kidnapped in Bengaluru's Marathahalli area on 28 October 2026. Police rescued them within six hours of receiving the complaint.
Why were two Bengaluru techies arrested in a rape case?
A 21-year-old woman arrested in the kidnapping case accused Mahendra of rape. Police subsequently arrested Mahendra and Tarun in connection with the separate complaint.
When did the alleged rape take place in Bengaluru?
According to reports, the woman alleged that the incident took place between 1:30 am and 4 am on 24 October 2026.
Was the Bengaluru kidnapping linked to the rape allegation?
Police suspect the alleged kidnapping was motivated by revenge over the rape allegation, with the accused allegedly planning to demand ransom from Mahendra's father.
How many people were arrested in the Bengaluru kidnapping case?
Police arrested 11 people in connection with the alleged kidnapping, including the woman who later filed the rape complaint.
Who were the 11 people arrested in the kidnapping case?
Reports named the accused as Raj Kumar, Manjunath, Lokanath, Suhail, Narendra Reddy, Shiva Subramanyam, Saleem Pasha, Nayeem Pasha, Shabaz, Rajesh and a 21-year-old woman.
What legal action has police taken in the Bengaluru case?
Police registered separate cases concerning the alleged kidnapping and rape. The investigations are examining the evidence and the alleged roles of those involved.
What does Indian law say when two criminal cases are connected?
Each complaint must be investigated on its own evidence. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, rape is defined under Section 63, with punishment prescribed under Section 64. The legal outcome will depend on the evidence and court proceedings.
