Fake cops hijack B'luru-Kerala bus with 42 passengers for loan recovery?

Bengaluru, 29 Apr 2018 [Fik/News Sources]: Loan recovery took an ugly turn for 42 passengers of a Bengaluru-Kerala bus when it was apparently "hijacked" on April 27 night for recovery of the loan amount from the bus agency.

As per reports, around four men posing as cops intercepted the bus, operated by Lama Travels with KA01 AG636 registration number shortly after it departed from Kalasipalyam at around 9:45 PM and demanded to search the vehicle. The incident occurred on Mysore Road, close to R V College.

Not suspecting anything fishy, the driver followed their instructions and they took the bus to a nearby godown, where few of their aides were present and locked the premises. It was at this point that the passengers sensed something was wrong as the gang did not allow anyone to leave from the bus, and threatened to call the cops. The threat however did not seem to deter the conmen.

Few of the passengers managed to intimate the police, who soon rushed to the spot and managed to arrest four members while three others escaped from the scene.

The arrested have been booked under section 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Indian Penal Code.

Initial police investigations suggest the involvement of Shriram Finance Company which was looking to recover the loan amount, said a police source. He, however, added that it was too early to conclude anything as investigations are ongoing.