Bellary: An armed police constable, who is serving as the personal gunman of the district police superintendent, and his accomplice have been arrested on charges of extorting money from a ration rice smuggler, the police said on Friday. Devaraj, who was serving as the SP’s gunman for the last four and a half years, has been identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
After investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6. Police said efforts are on to arrest the third accused, Gadhilinga, who is absconding and practicing law in Bellary.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender who is alleged to be involved in the illegal rice smuggling. The incident took place on the intervening night of April 27 and 28 when a group of masked men stopped Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicle near the Moka forest area.
The accused introduced themselves as members of the “SP squad” and threatened to seize the vehicles and register criminal cases. They demanded money to escape legal action. The accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted about Rs 3 lakh.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person who demanded and extorted the money. However, Sairam and Gadhilinga were also involved in the crime. It is alleged that Sairam was involved in similar activities in the past.
Devaraj and Sairam have been arrested under sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common purpose) of the Indian Penal Code. The police have also seized the extorted money, the vehicle and the mobile phones allegedly used in the crime.
The complainant, Sharabappa, is a known criminal involved in illegal rice smuggling and has several cases registered against him in Moka and Peddihalli areas, police said. A separate case has been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident. They said that the authorities are examining the possibility of initiating deportation proceedings against him.