Former Karnataka Legislative Council Member Dayananda Reddy was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint and held hostage for several hours by a gang that demanded crores of rupees before releasing him near Anekal on the outskirts of Bengaluru, police said on Tuesday.

According to a complaint filed at the Attibele Police Station, the incident occurred around 12.15 a.m. on Tuesday when Mr. Reddy was returning home with his driver after finishing work at the Gold Coin Club, of which he is the president.

The complainant stated that near Heelalige village, two men on a motorcycle intercepted his car and claimed they had brought a gift for him. When the vehicle doors were unlocked, one of the men entered the rear seat while another occupied the front passenger seat and allegedly threatened the occupants with a gun.

A red-coloured car carrying two more men soon joined them. The gang then allegedly forced the driver to move to the back seat and drove the vehicle through Bommasandra towards Attibele before taking Mr. Reddy to an isolated stretch near the KHB Layout in Jigala village.

During the ordeal, the accused allegedly held a gun to Mr. Reddy’s neck and claimed that they had received a contract worth ₹10 crore to eliminate him. The former legislator reportedly pleaded for his life and offered to pay money.

Initially, the gang allegedly demanded ₹3 crore from him. After negotiations, they reportedly agreed to accept ₹2 crore. Mr. Reddy informed the kidnappers that he did not have the money immediately and that he would be able to withdraw it only after the banks opened later in the morning.

The accused then allegedly provided a mobile phone number and instructed him to contact them after arranging the money. Before leaving, one of them identified himself as “Praveen”. Mr. Reddy also told police that he noticed a Kerala-registered red car at the spot.

The gang allegedly kept him confined until around 4.45 a.m. before releasing him. After reaching safety, Mr. Reddy informed his family members and approached the Attibele Police Station to lodge a complaint.

Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case of kidnapping, criminal intimidation, and extortion. Efforts are under way to identify and apprehend the accused.