Business houses from MG Road and Ulsoor complain that they are being extorted by an organisation for the upcoming Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations
Business houses from MG Road and Ulsoor complain that they are being extorted by an organisation for the upcoming Kannada Rajyotsava celebrationsDespite city police's reassurance to business establishments in the central business district of Bangalore, extortionists are demanding exorbitant donations from shops and establishments for the upcoming Kannada Rajyotsava (statehood day). All this is being done under the garb of 'social work'.
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| Time to pay, pal: The letter warns of dire consequences if residents and shop owners fail to pay the asked amount |
Extortions are usually carried out by local rowdies and underworld dons, but on MG Road and surrounding areas it's different -- shopkeepers and establishments are being extorted in the name of the Rajyotsava by a Kannada Sangha.
Somu, head of Kannada Samrakshana Sangha State head has sent letters to shops and business establishments on MG Road, Ulsoor and surrounding areas, demanding Rs 50,000 from each building for the celebrations on November 1.
The letter warns of dire consequences if residents fail to pay.u00a0 MiD DAY has in its possession one such letter.
Residents allege that the Kannada Sangha had collected thousands of rupees from many shops and establishments last year as well, and had threatened many of them if the money was not paid. Finally, Ameoba, an amusement centre on Church Street filed a complaint with the Cubbon Park police.
The Sangha had demanded Rs 50,000 from them last year and had threatened that they will trash the premises if the money was not paid. Cubbon Park Inspector Jagadish reiterated that public should not heed to such demands amounting to extortion.u00a0 "Such demands should immediately be reported to the jurisdictional police," he said.
He added that offering donation is a personal choice and should not be made compulsory. Any organisation or individual resorting to such activities will be booked and dealt with severely.
"We have filed a chargesheet against Somu and the case is pending before the court," he added.
It may be recalled that City police chief Shankar Bidari had assured the business class protection against the underworld and goonda elements indulging in extortion.
However, the onus is on the city police on how they deal with such organisations who continue anti-social activities on the pretext of social work.
