In a complaint registered at Varnama police station, Patel stated that he saw a young woman on the National Highway 8 and started following her. After some time, three unidentified persons attacked him from behind and robbed him of his money.

Varnama police officers said that the incident took place around 9.30 pm on Tuesday, when Patel, who owns a grocery shop, was returning home. He saw an attractive woman draped in blue saree at the highway.

"He said that he followed the lady thinking she was a prostitute," said Varnama police Sub-Inspector J.T. Sonara.

He added: "However, three persons came from the back and attacked him. They first strangled him and then sealed his mouth with a plastic tape with the help of the woman."

The miscreants stripped Patel and took out Rs 12,000 from a packet in his jeans and Rs 300 from his wallet.