09 February,2010 10:14 AM IST | | Manjunath L Hanji
Arrested extortionists continue to operate without fear once they obtain bail or manage to get the cases against them withdrawn. However, the police have learnt from this experience and designed a deterrent.
As part of a major crackdown on such strongmen, the police are not only arresting extortionists but also confiscating their ill-gotten property and getting it attached by a court.
Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari had recently directed officials to strike down hard on extortion activities. As a result, in January the City Crime Branch (CCB) arrested two notorious gangs, one of which was the Cycle Ravi gang with more than 15 cases of extortion against it.
Last week alone, the police arrested seven people, including Silent Sunil, said to be involved in more than 18 cases that include five murders, six cases of attempt to murder, robbery and theft. He is the main accused in the murder of Bekkina Kannu Rajendra on the Race Course Road five years ago.
DCP (Crime) S N Sidramappa said, "We are looking for more such gangs and their leaders and will acquire their benami (illegal) property."According to police sources, a number of extortionists have properties in other states.
They said the police are planning to get hold of the property if they can get sufficient proof of ownership. The seized property will then be handed over to the court.
