FIR filed against arrested businessman in B'luru over threats to Customs officer

Bengaluru, May 18 The Bengaluru police have registered another FIR against businessman M. Kripalani, who was earlier arrested in connection with allegations of blackmail and sexual assault of a female Customs officer. The latest case has been registered at the Halasuru Police Station following a complaint filed by Customs officer D. Anthony, police said on Monday.

Anthony is serving as a Customs Superintendent in Mangaluru. According to the complaint, Kripalani had earlier been involved in a smuggling case in an attempt to evade Customs charges. In connection with the case, Anthony had imposed a penalty of around Rs 8.50 lakh on Kripalani.

Police said Kripalani allegedly sought revenge over the action taken against him. He is accused of calling one of Anthony’s colleagues and issuing death threats. According to the complaint, Kripalani allegedly threatened that Anthony, his wife and children would not be spared alive.

Following the complaint, Halasuru police registered a case against Kripalani under Sections 308(4), 351(3) and 351(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Kripalani is already under arrest in another case involving allegations of blackmail and sexual assault of a female Customs officer. Police said the accused allegedly blackmailed the woman officer and threatened to release her private photographs and videos if she did not comply with his demands.

The woman officer, unable to bear the alleged harassment, later approached the police and lodged a complaint. Initially, a rape case was registered against Kripalani at the Yelahanka Police Station before it was transferred to the Indiranagar Police Station for further investigation.

The woman officer has also levelled several other serious allegations against Kripalani. According to the complaint, Kripalani, who was involved in the electronics business, allegedly carried out several transactions while evading Customs scrutiny.

Police investigations further revealed that Kripalani had become acquainted with the woman Customs officer nearly nine years ago and allegedly gained her trust by pretending to be in a romantic relationship with her. He is also accused of luring her with promises of marriage and obtaining information about loopholes in Customs procedures.

Using such information, Kripalani allegedly filed false complaints against some Customs officers and extorted money from them. Police suspect that several Customs officials may have suffered due to his activities and have urged anyone who may have been similarly victimised to come forward and file complaints.

Further investigation is underway.

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