Eight arrested in connection with abduction of BPO employees in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): Police have rescued four manager-level employees of a city-based BPO firm who were allegedly abducted by a gang of eight persons posing as cops, and have nabbed the accused, which includes a police constable.
The accused had allegedly extorted Rs 8.90 lakh from the operations manager of the firm, and had demanded for more money, police said.
The incident took place around midnight on Friday and most of the accused are from Kolar, police sources said, adding that one of the accused is a police constable in Kolar, and further investigation is on.
The accused had claimed to be police personnel conducting a cybercrime inspection, officials said.
Those abducted were kept as hostages at a place in Kolar district's Malur.
Police swung into action on receiving a complaint on emergency helpline 112 from the BPO staff, early on Saturday and arrested the culprits.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, speaking to reporters on Sunday said, arrests have been made in the Koramangala case. The arrested police constable is posted at the Malur town police station.
He said instructions will be given in the department to be vigilant, and take merciless action against the police personnel involved in such activities, by taking disciplinary and legal action.
DCP (south-east) Sarah Fathima told reporters on Saturday said, "On Friday at 1 am, eight people posing as police took four manager level employees working at a BPO in Koramangala police station limits under the pretext of an inquiry and kidnapped them."
She said they demanded money from the abducted and forced one person--operations manager of the firm--to transfer Rs 8.90 lakh to four bank accounts of those related to the accused through online. They also demanded more money in the form of cash.
Police received the complaint at 4.30 am on Saturday and four teams were formed to track the case.
The DCP said eight accused persons have been arrested and two vehicles used for kidnapping have been seized.
"The accused have tried to get as much money as they can. They had demanded hard cash and had tried to share location over phone to deliver the money. We have nabbed the accused kidnappers before the delivery," she said.
Most of the accused are from Kolar district doing different kinds of jobs.
They have been arrested and further investigation will be done, the DCP said.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
