BENGALURU — A businessman identified as M Kriplani was arrested in Bengaluru on Sunday, April 5, 2026, for allegedly blackmailing and sexually assaulting a female customs officer, police said. The arrest came after the officer filed a complaint accusing the electronics dealer of exploiting her trust and threatening to release private material to coerce her.
Long-Term Relationship Alleged
According to investigators, the victim had known Kriplani for about nine years. During this period, the accused allegedly developed a close relationship with her and promised marriage.
Police said the officer claimed the businessman used the promise to gain her trust and later sexually exploited her. In her complaint, the officer alleged that Kriplani threatened to circulate private photos and videos if she did not comply with his demands.
Victim’s Statement
The officer told investigators that the accused had gradually taken her into confidence over their long acquaintance before allegedly exploiting her.
According to the police report cited by local media, she stated that Kriplani used the “promise of marriage” to sexually exploit her and kept her under pressure by threatening to make private videos public.
She alleged that he repeatedly warned he would “release private videos” if she refused to listen to him.
Police Arrest and Investigation
Officials from the Bengaluru Police confirmed the arrest following the complaint.
Pulakeshinagar police inspector B Govindaraju said a detailed investigation was launched after the officer approached authorities.
“Based on the complaint filed by the woman officer, we initiated a thorough investigation. The accused has been taken into custody and is being questioned regarding multiple allegations, including blackmail and sexual assault,” Govindaraju said.
The officer added that Kriplani did not cooperate during questioning and attempted to avoid the investigation by seeking hospital treatment after complaining of chest pain.
Judicial Custody Ordered
Police produced the accused before the ACMM Court, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.
Authorities said they plan to seek police custody for further interrogation as part of the ongoing probe.
Criminal Charges
A case has been registered under Section 376 (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police officials also confirmed that Kriplani, who works as an electronics dealer, has previously been charged in multiple criminal cases.
Conspiracy Angle Under Probe
Investigators are also examining whether the alleged relationship was part of a larger plan to exploit the officer’s position.
Given the victim’s role in the Customs Department, police said they are probing whether the case could involve a “well-planned conspiracy” aimed at accessing or compromising sensitive departmental information.
“The probe is on to find out whether it was a well-planned conspiracy,” an officer involved in the investigation said.
Case Transfer for Further Investigation
The complaint was initially registered at the Yelahanka Police Station before being transferred to the Indiranagar Police Station for specialized investigation. The probe is currently being handled by officers under the Pulakeshinagar Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be added depending on the findings of the inquiry.
