The Organised Crime Wing of Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Tuesday rounded up a notorious rowdy, Vijay Kumar, (aliases Viji and Kavala) and three of his associates in Dasarahalli, Peenya.

Police said that the CCB had intelligence that Kumar and his associates were plotting to murder rival rowdies - Tirukumar (alias Kutti) and Tirumaran (alias Raja). The gang was under surveillance of the CCB.

Aside from Kumar, 43, of Madiwala, the other three men arrested have been identified as Rakesh (aliases Raki and Jockey), 28, of Dodda Banasawadi, Gagan Sharma (alias Gagan), 31 of Vasanthnagar and Shyam Prakash (alias Shyam), 23 of Vasanthnagar.

Police have seized two cars, three mobile phones and lethal weapons from the arrested. A case has been registered at the Peenya Police Station.

Police said Kumar and his gang had cornered real-estate dealings in Anekal and Sarjapura.

They often settled land disputes, extorted money from landlords in the form of ‘protection money’ and took part in abductions for ransom occasionally.

Political support

Kumar, who hailed from Madiwala, was the leader of the gang and according to police, enjoyed the backing of several corporators and two MLAs from the City. He has identified himself with the Congress.

A habital offender, registered in the Madiwala Police Station, Kumar has at least 32 cases pending against him, including five murders, eight cases of illegal possession of arms, three attempt-to-murder cases and three cases of dacoity.
Of the other three arrested, Rakesh and Gagan Sharma are also career criminals.