Bhima owner, guards arrested for knife threat

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Three individuals, including the owner of Bhima Jewellery and two security guards, have been arrested by HSR Layout police for allegedly threatening a man with a knife over vehicle damage. The arrests followed a complaint by S. Thiruselvam, the owner of Adyar Anand Bhavan (A2B) restaurant in the BDA Complex, HSR Layout. The suspects have been identified as Vishnu Sharan Bhatt, owner of Bhima Jewellery, and security guards Kevin Thomas and Satish Swamy, who have been remanded in judicial custody.

On February 9, Vishnu Sharan was at the hotel when he allegedly damaged a scooter parked outside before fleeing the scene. On 26 February, Thiruselvam recognised Vishnu from CCTV footage when he returned to the hotel, and confronted him. When questioned, Vishnu denied responsibility and demanded evidence. The situation escalated, and he allegedly drew a knife to threaten Thiruselvam before fleeing. The three suspects have been placed in judicial custody for 14 days. Vishnu, the primary accused, has not provided a clear explanation for the vehicle damage and denies any wrongdoing. However, police confirmed through CCTV footage that he was involved, and further investigations are underway.

Additionally, another FIR has been filed against Vishnu following a complaint by an employee named Vishnu, who alleged he was assaulted and threatened by Bhatt and six others at the Bhima Jewellery branch in Jayanagar. The employee was accused of selling 50 grams of gold from the store to other jewellers without permission.

During an internal inquiry on 22 February, Vishnu was allegedly detained by staff and assaulted by Bhatt, who also pressured him to call his wife for money, threatening harm if he reported the matter to the police. Police have arrested the suspects based on a body warrant and are conducting further investigation.