Former Karnataka MLC abducted, released after extortion in Attibele

Former Karnataka Legislative Council member Dayananda Reddy was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint and held hostage for several hours by a gang who demanded millions of rupees before releasing him near Anekal in suburban Bengaluru, police said on Tuesday.

According to the complaint lodged at the Attibele police station, the incident occurred around 12.15pm on Tuesday when Mr Reddy was returning home with his driver after finishing work at the Gold Coin Club, of which he is the president.

The complainant said that near Heelalige village, two men on a motorbike intercepted his car and claimed to have brought a gift for him. When the vehicle’s doors were unlocked, one of the men entered the back seat while another sat in the passenger seat and allegedly threatened the occupants with a gun.

They were soon joined by a red colored car with two other men. The gang then allegedly forced the driver to move to the back seat and drove the vehicle through Bommasandra towards Attibele before taking Mr Reddy to an isolated stretch near KHB Layout in Jigala village.

During the ordeal of accusations, they allegedly held a gun to Mr Reddy’s neck and claimed to have received a contract worth ₹10 crore to eliminate him. The former lawmaker is said to have pleaded for his life and offered to pay the money.

Initially, the gang allegedly demanded ₹3 million from him. After negotiations, they reportedly agreed to accept ₹2 crore. Mr. Reddy informed the kidnappers that he did not have the money immediately and that he would be able to withdraw it only after the banks opened later in the morning.

The accused then allegedly provided a mobile phone number and instructed him to contact them after arranging the money. Before leaving, one of them identified himself as “Praveen”. Mr. Reddy also told the police that he spotted a Kerala-registered red car at the spot.

The gang allegedly held him around 4:45 a.m. before releasing him. After reaching safety, Mr. Reddy informed his family members and approached the Attibela police station to file a complaint.

Based on the initiative, the police are registering a case of kidnapping, criminal threats and blackmail. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused.

Published – 02 Jun 2026 23:19 IST