Ballari: SP’s Gunman Arrested In Extortion Case

Ballari: Two persons, including Ballari SP’s gunman, have been arrested for allegedly extorting a ration rice transporter by misusing the name of the police department and posing as members of an “SP squad”.

Addressing reporters on Friday, Ballari SP Dr Suman D Pennekar said the case came to light after a complaint was lodged at Moka police station on May 6 by Sharabayya, who is allegedly involved in illegal ration rice transportation cases.

“According to the complaint, during the intervening night of April 27 and 28, Sharabayya’s vehicle was intercepted near the Moka forest area by a group of persons who arrived in a four-wheeler. The accused had allegedly covered their faces and introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad” of the police department,” SP told reporters.

The accused allegedly threatened Sharabayya, stating that as he was transporting rice illegally a police case would be registered against him unless the matter was settled by paying money. They reportedly demanded Rs 5 lakh and allegedly collected Rs 3 lakh from him.

“During the investigation, police found that Devaraj (APC 87), who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and half years, and serving in the department since 2018 was allegedly the main person involved in extortion. Another accused, identified as Sai Ram, was also found to be involved in the offence,” she said.

Both Devaraj and Sai Ram have been arrested and taken into police custody for interrogation. Police have also launched efforts to trace another accused, an advocate by profession in Ballari, who is currently absconding.

The SP said the money allegedly extorted from the complainant, the four-wheeler used in the crime and mobile phones connected to the offence are in the process of being seized. Police are also verifying whether the accused were involved in similar offences in the past.

Calling it a “major offence”, the SP said the involvement of a police gunman in an extortion case sends a wrong message to society as well as the police department. She assured that strict action would be taken and said proceedings were under way to place Devaraj under immediate suspension.

The SP clarified that there is no officially authorised “SP squad”, “DySP squad” or “IG squad” functioning in the district and said the accused had misused the name of senior police officers to commit the crime.

Further investigation is under way to ascertain whether more people are connected to the case.

The SP added that the department intends to complete the investigation and file the charge sheet at the earliest. She also appealed to the public to directly approach the SP office or her directly if any such incidents come to light, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.

Sharabayya is also facing charges of illegal transportation of ration rice.