An investigation is ongoing to determine whether others were involved in the blackmail attempt.
Published Jul 31, 2025 | 8:09 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 31, 2025 | 8:09 AM
Financial fraud (Creative Commons)
A couple from Kochi in Kerala has been arrested by the Ernakulam Central Police for allegedly attempting to extort ₹30 crore from the owner of an IT firm, by threatening to falsely accuse him of sexual assault and an extramarital affair.
The accused, Krishna Raj and his wife Shweta Babu, who had recently resigned from the firm, allegedly met the businessman and demanded an immediate transfer of ₹10 crore along with two post-dated cheques for the remaining amount.
Fearing reputational damage and legal trouble, the businessman initially transferred ₹50,000 and prepared the cheques. However, he soon alerted the police. Acting swiftly, the police set a trap and took the couple into custody. During the operation, they recovered the two cheques signed by the businessman.
The couple reportedly confessed during preliminary questioning. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether others were involved in the blackmail attempt.
