Gang rivalry resurfaces in B’luru, raises politician criminal nexus concerns

Umar Sharieef | NT

Bengaluru: Incidents of gang rivalry in the city have sent an alarming message to the state's intelligence and police departments.

Three cases of gang rivalry occurred between July and August, reminiscent of the early 1990s when the city witnessed atrocities committed by gangsters who are now realtors or low-level politicians.

On July 11, 2023, a gangster named Kapil was killed in the city's eastern part, a result of a decade-old gang war that saw the murder of Nakra Babu alias G Babu in the southeast of Bengaluru.

Mahesh, another gangster, was killed just a few hours after being released from the central prison on August 6.

This fresh incident has shocked the police department as four minors joined forces to attack Hemanth Kumar, 24, who aspired to be a gangster. The incident took place on the outskirts of Bengaluru on August 6.

These recent activities go back to the forgotten image of the city between 1970 and 1990, when such activities were fuelled by real estate issues, among other factors.

The issue escalated as gangsters transitioned into real estate, coinciding with the city's expansion.

Former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru city, ND Mulla, stated that gangster activities have significantly decreased after the 1990s, with many of them transitioning into real estate and politics.

He regarded the recent events as a coincidence and unfortunate occurrence.

"The gangster activities have come down drastically after the 90s as most of them turned into realtors and politicians," he explained.

Interestingly, the state police arrested Seena and Shankara, the Bettangere cousins, in 2005, for their alleged involvement in the murder of Balekai Basssavaiah, who defeated Hanumanthaiah, Seena's father, in the taluk milk producer's co-operative election in 2004.

Mulla, who served from 1975 to 2008, also pointed out the political ambition among gangsters as a contributing factor to the situation. In response to a question regarding whether politicians have protected gangsters for their profits, Mulla said, "There has been a nexus between them."

Furthermore, the resurgence of such activities has caused distress in the state, particularly in the backdrop of transfers. Mulla expressed his opinion that the government must expedite transfer orders to curb gangster activities.

"The new officer who assumes charge needs time to understand the local atmosphere, and during that period, there are chances that such activities may occur," he added.

While retired personnel claim that gangster activities have decreased, recent incidents indicate that the State has not completely eradicated them.