The victim, Sudharsan (32), a medical representative residing in Choolaimedu, had married Meena (name changed) about six months ago. During this period, Sudharsan allegedly expressed romantic interest to a 22-year-old woman, Namitha, who lived on the ground floor of the same building. Acting on this, Namitha contacted Sudharsan on July 27 and asked him to come to a friend’s house for a discussion. Later, they reduced the demand to ₹3 lakh and released him, asking him to arrange the money within two days. Based on the complaint, police registered a case and arrested Namitha, Monisha, Balakrishnan, Ganesh and Sivaranchani.