Kochi, July 30:
A local court in Kochi on Tuesday granted bail to a couple accused of blackmailing an IT firm owner, hours after they were taken into custody by Ernakulam Central Police. The bail was granted under strict conditions, in line with Supreme Court guidelines.
The couple — Krishna Raj and his wife Shweta Babu — were arrested for allegedly threatening and extorting money from the tech executive. Shweta, a former employee of the IT firm, had recently resigned. Soon after, the couple allegedly devised a plot to extort ₹30 crore by threatening to file false allegations of sexual assault and an extramarital relationship.
According to police, the businessman was initially forced to transfer ₹50,000 to the couple’s account and issue two cheques worth ₹10 crore each in their name. The couple reportedly demanded ₹10 crore be paid immediately, threatening severe consequences if their demand wasn’t met.
The situation escalated during a meeting between the couple, the IT executive, and two of his employees last week. Acting on a tip-off from the victim, police carried out a tactical operation that led to the arrest. A subsequent search of the couple’s belongings revealed the two signed cheques.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo had confessed to the blackmail scheme. Police confirmed that the arrest had been officially recorded and the case is under active investigation.
The court, while granting bail, directed the couple to fully cooperate with the ongoing probe. Investigators are also probing whether others were involved in the extortion attempt.
The case has triggered public attention amid growing concerns over workplace disputes turning into criminal intimidation and false accusations.
