Berhampur: Police in Berhampur have arrested four persons for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a bookie over non-payment of IPL betting winnings, officials said on Thursday.
The accused allegedly abducted the bookie from the Ankuli area and extorted around Rs 4 lakh from him.
According to police, a youth from Kotinada area under Digapahandi police limits had won money through IPL betting but did not receive the promised amount from the bookie. When the youth repeatedly demanded payment, the bookie allegedly blocked his phone number.
Police said the accused then created a fake Facebook ID to establish contact with the bookie. Posing as a woman, they allegedly called him and lured him to Shakti Nagar area in Berhampur on Wednesday.
After the bookie reached the spot, four persons allegedly forced him into a vehicle and took him to a house where he was held captive. The accused reportedly assaulted him with an iron rod and forced him to transfer Rs 3 lakh through PhonePe.
Police said the accused also collected another Rs 1 lakh allegedly sent by the victim’s family members.
Acting on a complaint, Nimakhandi police conducted a raid, rescued the victim and arrested all four accused persons in connection with the case.
Further investigation is underway, police added.
