Dating app invite leads to Rs 20 lakh gold theft in Bengaluru; 2 held

Bengaluru: An invitation through a dating app allegedly turned into a robbery at a house in Nagarabhavi, where two transgender persons reportedly threatened a man with a knife and escaped with gold ornaments worth Rs 20 lakh. Chandralayout police have arrested both accused.

The arrested persons have been identified as Nazia and Syed Mousheen. Police said the arrests were made following a complaint lodged by Raju, the house owner.

The incident reportedly took place on the night of October 23. Rohit (name changed), a private company employee living in the house with his family, had left for his own residence in Hesaraghatta after handing over the keys to his friend Harshavardhan.

Rohit’s wife had travelled to Tamil Nadu a day earlier. Harshavardhan had been permitted to stay at the house for a day in Rohit’s absence.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Harshavardhan reportedly connected with a woman through a dating app and invited her to the house. However, the visitor, who arrived wearing a face mask, was allegedly a transgender person posing as a woman.

Harshavardhan reportedly realised this after the visitor entered the house. The accused then allegedly called another transgender person to the premises. The two began searching the house, prompting Harshavardhan to question them.

Instead of responding, the accused allegedly threatened him with a knife and warned him against raising objections. They also reportedly threatened to call the police if he continued to interfere.

The duo allegedly searched the cupboards and made away with 226 grams of gold ornaments of various designs, valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh. They subsequently fled the house.

Based on the complaint, Chandralayout police registered a case, arrested Nazia and Syed Mousheen and initiated further investigation. Police said the accused would be questioned further to ascertain the details of the crime and trace the stolen valuables.

Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS.