‘Grave, ongoing violation of human rights and abuse of power': Migrants allege police extortion in Bengaluru's IT corridor
The Bengaluru police have categorically denied the allegation, saying they were conducting special drives against public smoking, and the sale of loose cigarettes.
In his complaint filed on July 3, Lalchand Sheikh, who lives in Varthur, alleged that the local police were collecting bribes from more than 100 shops.
Sheikh, a shopkeeper representing the affected migrant community, said the police harassment has intensified following the crackdown on loose cigarette and tobacco sales. According to the complaint, officers have been collecting weekly and monthly bribes ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 3,000 per shop, openly threatening arrest or harassment for non-compliance.
The victims are primarily migrant workers from West Bengal and their families living in informal settlements across Varthur.
Sheikh has included audio and video recordings in his complaint, allegedly showing policemen collecting bribes, providing evidence of what he describes as a 'grave and ongoing violation of human rights, police misconduct, and abuse of power.'
The complainant stated that the police forcibly seized his fingerprint machine, essential for identification and documentation work for labourers. He said the police officers are now demanding Rs 23,000 for its return, and repeatedly summoning him to the police station.
'This is blatant theft and extortion,' the complainant alleged, highlighting how the harassment affects not just commerce but essential services for the migrant community.
Shivakumar Gunare, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Whitefield, told The Indian Express he was aware of the complaint.
'We have been conducting drives against public smoking, and the sale of loose cigarettes. More than 200 cases have been filed, and fines have been collected. Following the drives, some are trying to plant such allegations. If there is any particular incident, they can report it to me or other police officers, and action will be initiated,' he said.
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