The Byadarahalli police have registered a kidnapping and assault case against a group of three persons for allegedly abducting a 27-year-old temple priest and compelling him with torture to make a video statement demanding the return of a woman who had allegedly eloped with the priest’s younger brother.

According to the police, Shivakumar was allegedly involved with a young woman, a relationship that faced strong objection from her family. The couple had reportedly left home recently following opposition from the woman’s family.

Investigators said the woman’s father, Basavaraj, along with some relatives, allegedly targeted Shivakumar’s elder brother Kotresh after they failed to trace the couple.

Kotresh, who works as a priest at a temple in the Byadarahalli area, was allegedly called by the accused on the pretext of accompanying them to the police station for discussions. However, after he arrived, the accused allegedly abducted him and took him to an undisclosed location.

According to the complaint, the accused tied Kotresh’s hands and legs and physically assaulted him. The entire assault was allegedly recorded on video.

The police said the accused forced Kotresh to issue a video appeal asking Shivakumar to return the woman from wherever they were staying. The video was allegedly circulated among the victim’s relatives as a threat.

Officials said the footage showed Kotresh pleading for help while being assaulted.

After the video surfaced, Kotresh’s family members approached the Byadarahalli Police Station and lodged a complaint.

The police said that after learning about the registration of the case and the police investigation, the accused released Kotresh and fled from the spot.

A case has been registered under charges relating to kidnapping, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation, and assault, and further investigation is under way.