Aides attack cops trying to arrest Attica Gold MD

Tense moments prevailed at the Attica Gold Company office on Queens Road on Tuesday evening when Magadi Police, who came to arrest its founder and managing director Bommanahalli Babu on charges of buying stolen gold, were attacked by his supporters.

Babu refused to sit in the police jeep and when the cops forced him in, his supporters attacked the policemen. They also tried to attack mediapersons who were on the spot covering the incident.

Ramesh B, Superintendent of Police, Ramanagara district, said: "There are three FIRs against Babu and associates, including dacoity, at Tavarekere police station. A special team, headed by Magadi circle inspector Shabarish, was formed to investigate the cases. Following investigation, a team visited Bommanahalli Babu's office on Tuesday and arrested him and three staff members."

Investigating officer Shabarish said that a court had issued a notice to Babu, but he neither appeared before the court nor gave any representation. Finally, the court ordered his arrest in the case. "We arrested him following the court order," he said.

Police said a special team was formed to look into a series of burglaries and dacoities reported in the Magadi Circle police station. Police also suspect Babu's role in some of these cases.

During the course of the investigation, a gang was nabbed who, upon interrogation, confessed that it had pledged the booty with Attica Gold Company. Later, raids were conducted on the company and the stolen jewellery sold to them was recovered. Cases were also filed against the company for buying jewellery without proper bills and verification.