‘Shocked by His Technical Skills’: Kidnapper’s IP Address-Masking Tactics Leave Bengaluru Cops Stunned; Driver Used VPN, VoIP
In a chilling case that has gripped Bengaluru, the kidnapping and murder of 13-year-old Nischith A has taken a shocking twist, not only for its brutality but also for the unexpected technical prowess of the perpetrator. Gurumurthy, a seemingly ordinary driver, left Bengaluru police astounded with his sophisticated use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to mask his identity while demanding ransom. The case, reported on August 2, 2025, by The Times of India and other outlets, highlights how technology is reshaping crime and challenging law enforcement in unprecedented ways. Here’s a deep dive into the incident, Gurumurthy’s digital tactics, and the implications for modern policing.
The Crime That Shocked Bengaluru
On July 30, 2025, Nischith A, a 13-year-old boy from Bengaluru’s Arakere neighborhood, was abducted while returning home from tuition classes. His parents, hoping for his safe return, received a ransom demand of Rs 5 lakh from a Hindi-speaking caller but delayed informing the police for seven hours. Tragically, the boy’s partially burnt body was discovered the next day on Bannerghatta-Gottigere Road, sending shockwaves through the city. The investigation led police to Gurumurthy, a driver with no apparent criminal history, whose technical skills turned the case into a digital cat-and-mouse game.
Gurumurthy’s Tech-Savvy Tactics
What stunned investigators was Gurumurthy’s ability to evade traditional tracking methods using advanced technology. “We were shocked by his technical skills,” said a senior police officer involved in the case. “For an ordinary driver, his adeptness at concealing his identity was extraordinary.” Here’s how he did it:
VPN Usage: Gurumurthy used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask his IP address, making it appear as though his communications were coming from a foreign location. VPNs encrypt internet traffic and route it through remote servers, hiding the user’s real location and rendering conventional tracking methods ineffective.
VoIP for Ransom Calls: He relied on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as WhatsApp, to make ransom calls. VoIP transforms voice into digital signals that travel over the internet, bypassing traditional phone lines and making calls harder to trace. Gurumurthy made only one WhatsApp voice call, with subsequent communications via WhatsApp messages, which appeared in Hindi on the recipient’s phone despite being typed in English.
Dynamic Location Changes: To further complicate tracking, Gurumurthy frequently changed locations between Doddakallasandra and Yelachenahalli, going offline intermittently to avoid detection. This strategic movement frustrated police efforts to pinpoint his whereabouts.
Investigators initially mistook Gurumurthy for a seasoned criminal, suspecting he was using an overseas phone number. They later learned he was operating entirely from Bengaluru, leveraging technology to create a facade of distance and anonymity.
The Source of His Skills
How did a driver acquire such sophisticated digital know-how? Police suspect Gurumurthy learned these techniques from his brother, a former constable in Bengaluru City Police’s social media wing, now posted at an Indian embassy in the Middle East. The brother’s exposure to digital tools and social media strategies likely provided Gurumurthy with the knowledge to use VPNs and VoIP effectively. This revelation has raised questions about the unintended consequences of tech literacy spreading to criminal hands.
The Police Response: A Tech-Driven Chase
Tracking Gurumurthy required the Bengaluru police to match his technical ingenuity. Led by Inspector Kumaraswamy B G and a 20-member team, the investigation leaned heavily on support from the state intelligence unit and the Central Crime Branch (CCB). A breakthrough came when Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Narayana identified an alternate mobile number used by Gurumurthy, allowing police to finally close in after a prolonged chase. The operation highlighted the growing need for law enforcement to adopt advanced cyber forensics and real-time tracking tools to counter tech-savvy criminals.
The Bigger Picture: Technology in Crime
Gurumurthy’s case is not an isolated one. Bengaluru has seen a rise in criminals using digital tools to evade capture. In November 2024, police uncovered a scam where fraudsters used VoIP to impersonate traffic officials, extorting money over fake violations. Similarly, cyber gangs in Prayagraj and Dehradun have employed VPNs and VoIP to facilitate fraud and avoid detection, often operating through encrypted apps like Telegram. These incidents underscore how accessible technology—once the domain of professionals—has empowered criminals, from drivers to gangsters, to challenge law enforcement.
However, Gurumurthy’s tactics weren’t foolproof. Unlike the Mumbai case of Rajveer Khant, who was caught after using a trial version VPN that exposed his IP address, Gurumurthy’s methods were more robust but not infallible. Police leveraged intelligence and persistence to track him, proving that while VPNs and VoIP complicate investigations, they don’t guarantee anonymity.
Implications for Policing and Public Safety
This case exposes a critical gap in traditional policing methods. As Inspector Kumaraswamy noted, “Trying to track the number using conventional methods was futile.” The increasing use of VPNs, VoIP, and encrypted apps like WhatsApp or Telegram by criminals demands that law enforcement invest in advanced cybercrime units and training. A 2023 report by Punjab police highlighted similar challenges, urging a ban on certain VPN apps or requiring their servers to be hosted in India for better oversight.
For the public, the case serves as a reminder of the double-edged nature of technology. While VPNs and VoIP offer privacy for legitimate users, their misuse in crimes like kidnapping underscores the need for awareness. Families, like Nischith’s, who delayed reporting the ransom call, should act swiftly to involve authorities, as timely intervention can be critical.
The Tragic Outcome and Moving Forward
The murder of Nischith A is a heartbreaking loss, compounded by the chilling realization that a driver could wield technology with such precision. Gurumurthy’s arrest, facilitated by police persistence and technological aid, brings some closure, but it also raises urgent questions about modernizing law enforcement. As Bengaluru grapples with this tragedy, the case highlights the need for better public education on reporting crimes and equipping police with tools to combat digital subterfuge.
In the words of a senior officer, “He outmaneuvered us at every step, but we adapted.” This adaptability will be crucial as technology continues to reshape the landscape of crime and justice in India and beyond.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from The Times of India, Times Now, Hindustan Times, and Oneindia News, published on August 2, 2025. The investigation is ongoing, and details may evolve as new information emerges.
