BENGALURU: Byadarahalli police on Thursday opened fire at the leader of a gang notorious for kidnapping businessmen, at D Group Layout. The gang leader and four of his associates were nabbed after a chase.
A police constable sustained injuries after he was stabbed during the incident, the police said. Two weeks ago, Byadarahalli police opened five rounds of fire at a gang of drug peddlers and nine were nabbed. A senior police officer said Vijay alias Venkatesh and four of his associates were involved in kidnapping a industrialist.
Vijay, a native of Tamil Nadu, and his four associates Harish, Sharana alias Ballary, Vijaykumar and Naveen, had been staying in Laggere for the past four years.
Police said the gang threatened the businessmen, saying that his rivals had paid them to kill him. The gang demanded money from him, saying they would reveal the names of those who wanted him killed. Police said the gang was involved in 18 kidnap cases.
“Mohammed Sharif and Narayan Achar, who run a fabrication unit on Magadi Road, had filed separate cases against Vijay in Byadarahalli police station a few days ago,” a police officer said. They were extorted by the gang and based on the complaint, police gathered information that the gang members were on their way to Tavarekere to meet a businessman.
Inspector K P Sathyanarayana, sub inspector Daalegowda along with a team of constables reached the spot to nab them. Around 5.30 pm, the gang headed towards D Group Layout and the police team surrounded them. The gang tried to flee and one of them attacked a police constable, Byaraiah, with a knife. Daalegowda then fired warning shots in the air and asked the gang to surrender. When Vijay attempted to run, Sathyanarayana shot at his right leg and his associates were chased and nabbed,” the officer said. Vijay and Byaraiah were shifted to a private hospital and they are stable.
“Once Vijay recovers, we will question him regarding the money they extorted,” the officer said.