Electric contractor booked for threatening Bescom officials for extortion

The Vidhana Soudha police have registered an FIR against a city-based electric contractor for allegedly threatening Bescom officials to extort money.

Based on the complaint filed by contractor John Benedict, who has also filed a complaint with Lokayukta, the police charged the accused, identified as Sharanappa Kuribanalla, under Section 308 (extortion) of BNS on Wednesday (November 6).

According to the complaint, Sharanappa, claiming to be a social activist and anti-corruption crusader, accessed the audio and video conversation between Bescom officials and contractors. Using this, he allegedly started blackmailing the officials, demanding money and threatening to file a case in Lokayukta against them.