A couple, two young women, and a man were nabbed in connection with an alleged ‘honey trap’ case on Monday (January 13, 2025) by the Hill Palace police on a complaint filed by a Vaikom native.

Ashiq Antony, 33, his wife Neha Ashiq, 35, Surumi, 29, Jiji, 19, and Thomas, 35, were arrested in connection with the incident that is said to have occurred in October 2024 at a lodge near the Thripunithura market. According to the police, Ashiq and Neha contacted the complainant over phone and invited him to the lodge, where Surumi befriended him.

Reportedly, Ashiq and Thomas forcibly entered the room, recorded visuals of the complainant in compromising positions, and extorted ₹13,500 by threatening to make the visuals public. They also allegedly made away with the complainant’s bike. The man filed a police complaint after they continued to blackmail him.