Latest news with #ArulKumar
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
How Bengaluru prison inmates are using WhatsApp to run extortion racket
An extortion racket allegedly being operated from inside Bengaluru Central Prison has exposed serious loopholes in the enforcement of mobile phone restrictions behind bars. These convicts manage to obtain contact details of undertrial inmates while in prison. (Pixabay/Representative) Despite multiple crackdowns on the use of phones in jail, convicted inmates, especially those with criminal histories as rowdy-sheeters, have been found using WhatsApp to extort money from undertrial prisoners who are recently released on bail. According to a report in The New Indian Express, these convicts manage to obtain contact details of undertrial inmates while in prison. Once the undertrials are released, the convicts reach out to them via WhatsApp, issue death threats, and demand money. (Also Read: Massive traffic jam on Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road leaves school kids stranded, sparks outrage) The victims are instructed to transfer the funds through UPI to various bank accounts linked to the convicts' relatives. These relatives, in turn, deliver the cash to the prison, helping the inmates sustain a relatively lavish lifestyle behind bars, the report further added. The racket came to light after Arul Kumar (36), who was released on bail in a drug case, lodged a complaint with the Central Crime Branch (CCB). In his complaint, Arul alleged that convicts Harshith and Gangaraju, both serving time for rape, along with another individual named Likith, were involved in the extortion scheme. The FIR also named Nelson Sawan alias Bablu, Viji alias Guru, Chetan, and Shankar as key players in the operation. The complaint further noted that Chetan, an undertrial in a murder case, was channeling extorted funds through a relative named Lokesh Rao. Another notorious rowdy-sheeter, Shekhar, was also found to have received money through this system. A CCB officer confirmed that the mobile numbers listed in the FIR would be verified and that an investigation was underway to trace the financial transactions. Initial estimates suggest that the extorted amounts ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per transaction. (Also Read: This one crucial clue sealed Prajwal Revanna's fate in rape case: A saree hidden in his attic)
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- New Indian Express
Behind bars, convicts in Bengaluru Central Prison use WhatsApp to extort undertrial inmates
BENGALURU: There have been several incidents of inmates being caught using mobile phones in Bengaluru Central Prison. Now, convicted inmates are running extortion rackets from behind bars, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of restrictions on mobile phone usage inside the prison. A source told TNIE that convicts, especially rowdy-sheeters, are targeting undertrial inmates who are about to secure bail. They collect the phone numbers of these inmates and, once they are out on bail, the convicts call them via WhatsApp from prison to extort money by issuing death threats and harassing them. The convicts allegedly instruct them to transfer money through UPI to multiple bank accounts belonging to their relatives. The relatives then deliver the cash to the prison to help maintain the convicts' lavish lifestyle behind bars. The extortion racket came to light after Arul Kumar (36), who is out on bail in a drug case, filed a complaint with the CCB. He accused convicts Harshith and Gangaraju—serving sentences in a rape case—and another individual, Likith, of receiving extorted money via UPI transactions on their behalf to multiple accounts. Others named in the FIR include Nelson Sawan alias Bablu, Viji alias Guru, Chetan, and Shankar, who were allegedly running the racket. The FIR further stated that Chetan, an under trial prisoner in a murder case, was allegedly extorting money through his relative Lokesh Rao. Another rowdy-sheeter, Shekhar, was also found to have received money. A CCB officer said the mobile numbers mentioned in the FIR will be verified, and their transaction history will be traced. The amount is between Rs 5,000-Rs 15,000 and that a letter has been sent to the banks seeking account details.
New Straits Times
04-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
394 out of 426 MyKiosk units in Negri Sembilan taken up
SEREMBAN: A total of 394 out of 426 MyKiosk units in Negri Sembilan have been taken up, with each costing between RM15,000 and RM25,000 depending on the specifications, facilities and equipment, the State Legislative Assembly was told today. According to State Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar, Seremban had the highest number of units with 130, followed by Kuala Pilah (68), Tampin (58), Jempol (50), Rembau (47), Jelebu (38) and Port Dickson (35). "The remaining MyKiosk units have not been taken up due to unsuitable locations. That is why I have asked the relevant local authorities to relocate them to more appropriate areas so that traders can use them. "However, of the 394 units taken up, there are still some (traders) who have yet to start their businesses. So, we are asking the local authorities to take back those units and give them to those who want to run a business," he said. He said this in response to a question from Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker (PN-Labu) regarding the number of MyKiosk units available in Negri Sembilan and the cost per unit. Responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman (BN–Johol), who asked whether the state government intended to redesign the MyKiosk units to reflect state or local identity, Arul Kumar said the current design followed national standards. "We may consider the proposal in the future, possibly by incorporating elements of the local identity or making slight changes to reflect our own," he said.
The Sun
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
394 MyKiosk units occupied in Negeri Sembilan, says state exco
SEREMBAN: A total of 394 out of 426 MyKiosk units in Negeri Sembilan have been occupied, with prices ranging from RM15,000 to RM25,000 based on specifications and facilities. State Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar shared the update in the State Legislative Assembly. Seremban recorded the highest occupancy with 130 units, followed by Kuala Pilah (68), Tampin (58), Jempol (50), Rembau (47), Jelebu (38), and Port Dickson (35). Arul Kumar noted that the remaining units remain vacant due to unsuitable locations. 'The remaining MyKiosk units have not been taken up due to unsuitable locations. That is why I have asked the relevant local authorities to relocate them to more appropriate areas so that traders can use them,' he said. He added that some traders who secured units have yet to start operations. Authorities will reclaim these units and reallocate them to interested entrepreneurs. The statement came in response to Mohamad Hanifah Abu Baker's (PN-Labu) query on MyKiosk availability and pricing. When asked by Datuk Saiful Yazan Sulaiman (BN-Johol) about redesigning units to reflect local identity, Arul Kumar said the current design follows national standards but future modifications may be considered. - Bernama
The Sun
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
282 vacant PPR units in Rembau open for applications till Aug 10
SEREMBAN: A total of 282 units in the Rembau People's Housing Project (PPR) remain unoccupied, with applications open until August 10 for eligible buyers. Negeri Sembilan Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar confirmed the availability, stating that the Chembong Mukim project comprises 452 terraced houses, with 166 already allocated. 'Applicants and spouses must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. Priority is given to husband and wife with a household income of less than RM5,000 per month and who have never owned a house in the name of the applicant or spouse,' Arul Kumar said in a statement. Interested parties can submit applications online through the official portal at The units are priced at RM40,000 each under a hire-purchase scheme, with monthly installments estimated at RM250. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Negeri Sembilan state government, aims to provide affordable housing for low-income earners. - Bernama
