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Indian Express
06-07-2025
- Indian Express
Solving Crime: When a Bengaluru cop acted as auto driver to rescue Kannada movie financier's son from kidnappers
In one of the most daring police operations in Bengaluru, a quick-thinking inspector's split-second decision to disguise himself as an autorickshaw driver led to the dramatic rescue of a kidnapped teenager and the capture of his abductors in 2001. The swift operation was not just lauded by the public but also by the legendary Kannada film actor Dr Rajkumar. The case concerns the kidnap of the son of a movie financier's son. But what followed was a nail-biting operation where a police inspector had to don the role of an autorickshaw driver and engage in a gunfight to bring the criminals to justice. On 3 June, 2001, close to 4 pm, then DCP (West) Nissar Ahmed asked many of the police inspectors to come to the Upparpet police station immediately, recalled S K Umesh, then a police inspector. When the police inspectors arrived, a middle-aged man, Gulabchand Pagariya, was in the DCP's chamber. Unknown men had kidnaped his son Prashanth Pagariya, 15, demanding Rs 10 lakh ransom. Gulab Pagariya was a well-known financier at the time, providing loans to businessmen, movie producers, and others. Coming from an affluent family and living in a palace-like mansion in Rajajinagar, Gulab Pagariya was also a well-connected man. He was also a family friend to Dr Rajkumar and other prominent politicians and celebrities. According to a police officer, Prashanth had just completed Class 10 at Baldwin School. Around 1 pm, his mother, Premalatha, received a call informing her that her son had been kidnapped. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of Rs 10 lakh for his release and threatened to kill him if she contacted the police. They warned that any delay would result in the gruesome dismemberment of her son's body. Premalatha was shocked and informed her husband, who decided to contact the police. A retired police officer involved in the investigation remembered that Premalatha was strongly opposed to police intervention because she feared that her son could be harmed. A team of police and technical experts arrived at Pagariya's residence and installed devices that could record calls and track the caller's location. By then, the police had determined that one call originated from K M Doddi in the Mandya district. By evening, Premalatha received another call on her landline. A police officer recalled that during this call, the caller threatened Premalatha, saying that he would send her son's right hand to her because she had informed the police. The caller instructed her to bring Rs 10 lakh to the ISKCON temple in Rajajinagar and insisted that she come alone. Umesh recalled that by then, Premalatha was furious with the police. 'What she did not like about the police was that we were buying time and her anxiety grew every minute. She was crying and was also arguing with the police. I came outside of the house and was standing outside,' he said. In the next few minutes, Umesh heard Premalatha shouting that she would go to the ISKCON temple in an autorickshaw and bring her son back. 'I saw an autorickshaw parked a few meters away from her house and I immediately went to it. I didn't speak much, but I took away his khaki uniform and took his autorickshaw. Fortunately, I came near the gate as Premalatha stepped out with the suitcase carrying Rs 10 lakh cash,' he said. Premalatha, who got into the autorickshaw, asked the driver to take her near the ISKCON temple. But on the way, she also scolded the driver, Umesh in disguise, for not driving properly and even asked if he was drunk. 'This was my first experience as an autorickshaw driver. It was not easy to drive the three-wheeler. I was yet to get it under control and got scolded by her,' recalled Umesh. Upon reaching near the temple, Premalatha asked Umesh to wait inside the auto. 'I was just watching the public movement on the road, and the other police personnel who were aware of it had cordoned the area, but were not visible. I saw one autorickshaw going back and forth on the same road twice, and it was a confirmation for me that the abductors were in the vehicle,' he added. After some time, the autorickshaw in which the abductors were present stopped the vehicle a few meters away from where Umesh had stopped. Umesh stepped out, and then one of them called him, believing he was an autorickshaw driver. 'One of them called me and said, 'Hey Driver, tell that woman that the people she is waiting for have come',' said Umesh. Umesh said he realised this was the moment. 'I took out my revolver and asked all of them to get down, including the driver. That autorickshaw driver knew nothing about this kidnapping episode. Then, the people inside the autorickshaw jumped out and tried to flee. I had no choice but to open fire at their legs. It was only after the first bullet sound that Premalatha and the police came to know that the action had begun.' The police inquired about the whereabouts of Prashanth, and one of the suspects, who had been shot at, informed them that they were in a Maruti van on a service road, approximately one kilometre from the ISKCON temple. The police teams quickly responded to the location, successfully rescuing Prashanth and apprehending the other suspects. On June 4, 2001, the Bengaluru city police announced the arrest of Ramakrishna, 28, R Ramesh, 27, and Gopi, 23. Ramakrishna and Ramesh sustained gunshot wounds to their legs. Later, the police arrested another suspect named Shiva, along with others allegedly involved in the crime. Ramakrishna worked as a gym instructor, Ramesh was employed at a garage, while Gopi and Shiva were employees at Anjali Garments in the city. The investigations revealed that the idea to kidnap Prashanth originated in the gym. A police officer stated, 'At that time, Bengaluru was grappling with several abduction cases. Many incidents did not even come to light because the ransom demands were met. In this particular case, Ramakrishna, a gym instructor at Royal Multi Gym in Rajajinagar, decided to make a quick profit. The gym was located close to Prashanth's residence, and Prashanth frequently visited the gym, where he had formed a friendship with Ramakrishna.' After forming a team, Ramakrishna decided to kidnap Prashanth and also bought a new SIM card. However, due to their misfortune, the SIM card had not been activated. On June 3, 2001, when Prashanth was returning home on a two-wheeler, Ramakrishna allegedly stopped him and asked a financial favour from his father, stating it was an emergency. He asked Prashanth to join him in his car to meet Gulabchand, said the police. But Prashanth got to know that it was a meticulous plan to kidnap him only after getting into the van. Umesh said, 'In the van, Ramakrishna and others assaulted him and told him that associates of his gang also kidnapped his sister and if he failed to cooperate, she would be killed. They took him to K M Doddi near the Mandya district and from there made him call home from an STD booth.' 'We came to know about this call location quickly as the STD booth employee suspected that there was something wrong. He dialled back the number (to Premalatha) and informed them that the call originated from KM Doddi. So, a team was also dispatched. But later, everything transpired in Bengaluru and at the footsteps of Lord Krishna,' Umesh said. The swift police operation became a sensation in the city. In fact, Dr Rajkumar invited the police officers to his residence and distributed sweets. 'He was thrilled to know how the operation unfolded and asked me many questions. He became more curious after I told him that I acted like an autorickshaw driver and then attacked them,' said Umesh. The Upparpet police later filed a chargesheet against the accused. In 2007, a Bengaluru court convicted all the accused and sentenced them for life. Umesh said that all of them still continue to be in jail. 'Their greed to make a quick buck by kidnapping sent them to prison,' he added.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Dravidian govts failed to build dams in Tamil Nadu: Premalatha Vijayakanth
Premalatha Vijayakanth KRISHNAGIRI: No new dam has been built in Tamil Nadu since the construction of the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) dam in 1957 when K Kamaraj was the chief minister of the state, DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth said on Monday. She condemned the Davidian parties that ruled the state over the years for what she called their failure to build new dams. She alleged that the present leaders were misappropriating public funds without maintaining dams. She said the ruling party was exploiting mineral resources and misleading the people. Premalatha was speaking to reporters after leading a demonstration in Krishnagiri in support of mango farmers who face losses. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Premalatha said maintaining mango trees costs Rs 41,000 per acre per month, but farmers earn only Rs 18,000 on an average. "In the same way, people leasing mango farms incur a loss of Rs 53,000 per acre," she said and urged the state govt to provide a relief of Rs 10,000 per acre to mango farmers. She said farmers were suffering hardships. "Agriculture is the backbone of our nation, and the country's advancement depends on the progress of its farmers," she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Egypt: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo She held the DMK govt accountable for the lack of funds for self-help group loans and jewellery loan waivers. 'Where the money is being allocated,' she asked. She urged central and state govts to stop their continuous correspondences and instead address the issues faced by the people. During the protest, mango farmers brought an effigy intended for burning. When police requested them to remove it, DMDK members refused, leading to a confrontation between the police and the party supporters. However, the situation was resolved soon.
New Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu Congress invites DMDK to join INDIA bloc amid rift with AIADMK
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai on Tuesday invited Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) to join the INDIA bloc led by the DMK in Tamil Nadu. This has come amid signs of discontent brewing in the DMDK camp over being 'sidelined' by the AIADMK, especially in the recent Rajya Sabha seat allocation. DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakant recently expressed disappointment over the AIADMK's alleged failure to honour a 'pre-poll assurance' to allot a Rajya Sabha seat to her party. The DMDK was part of the AIADMK-led alliance during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Responding to a query on Premalatha's public gratitude to the DMK for passing a condolence resolution in honour of DMDK founder Vijayakant at its recent general council meeting, Selvaperunthagai said, 'This is my personal opinion, but I believe DMDK should align with the INDIA bloc under DMK's leadership. We welcome them wholeheartedly.' The TNCC chief's invitation is seen as a political signal at a time when the DMDK is reassessing its future. It may be noted that Premalatha also paid tribute to DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi on his 102nd birth anniversary. Recalling Karunanidhi's contributions to Tamil Nadu and the Tamil language, she also remembered his personal relationship with Vijayakant, saying, 'Kalaignar graciously presided over our wedding. The bond between him and Captain was deep and unforgettable.' Political signalling 'This is my personal opinion, but I believe the DMDK should align with the INDIA bloc under DMK's leadership. We welcome them wholeheartedly,' TNCC chief Selvaperunthagai said on Tuesday. The invitation is seen as a political signal at a time when the DMDK is reassessing its future. Premalatha also paid tribute to M Karunanidhi on his birth anniversary
Indian Express
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Could Vijay's party be the draw as polls stir TN's crowded political space?
AS THE countdown to the Assembly elections sets off a chain of alignments and realignments in Tamil Nadu, the one party that is steadily consolidating its position is Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The political outfit floated by Tamil cinema icon Vijay is seeking to emerge as the fulcrum of a third front, and could attract smaller parties which feel neglected by the DMK and AIADMK. Vijay is quietly laying the groundwork for the TVK, with a search reportedly on for an Assembly constituency for the star beginning with the letter 'V', just like his name – a suggestion reportedly by a well-wisher. Sources said the hunt may narrow down to Virudhachalam, a backward constituency in northern Tamil Nadu, ahead of the TVK's state-wide tour starting in August. By then, the picture could also be clearer on the PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) and DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam), both of which are struggling. While the PMK holds considerable influence due to its support among the OBC-Vanniyar community, the DMDK (founded by another matinee idol, the late Vijayakanth) has a solid vote bank in certain rural pockets. The vote banks of both parties complement the TVK's appeal among Dalits and OBCs in rural and semi-urban areas. The DMDK, led now by Vijayakanth's Premalatha, is unhappy about ally AIADMK not giving a ticket to it for the coming bypolls, and has said it expects the AIADMK to keep a Rajya Sabha berth promise to it. In an unusually direct statement Sunday, Premalatha reminded the AIADMK about a 'written commitment' to allot five Lok Sabha constituencies and one Rajya Sabha seat to the DMDK ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami ducked the question when asked about this, deputy general secretary K P Munusamy insisted the alliance with the DMDK was intact. Premalatha, however, has said her options are open. The PMK, on the other hand, is caught in a public power struggle between founder S Ramadoss and his son and party president Anbumani Ramadoss. The elder Ramadoss reportedly prefers direct talks and an alliance with the AIADMK, but Anbumani, who was a Union minister in the NDA government at the Centre, favours an arrangement through the BJP. If the dispute persists, the PMK too could drift toward Vijay. 'Both the DMDK and PMK are unhappy satellites of the AIADMK-NDA alliance, caught in loops of postponed promises and internal confusion. Vijay may be a clean slate for them,' said a source close to Vijay. Should either the PMK or the DMDK align with the TVK, the impact could be significant, especially in north Tamil Nadu. As per TVK calculations, such an electoral bloc may swing at least 10 key districts. The damage may not be restricted to the AIADMK alone, as such an alliance could hurt the DMK too by weaning away the Dalit base of DMK ally VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi). Another force multiplier for the TVK may be Vijay's next movie Jana Nayagan, which is in post-production and expected to wrap up by mid-July – its release coinciding with his roadshow, which is expected to cover all the constituencies in the state over three months. 'The tour will demonstrate Vijay's ground strength. He will meet local community leaders, student groups, and fisherfolk,' a top TVK source said. While Virudhachalam leads among the constituencies Vijay may pick – as he considers seats with a significant OBC-Vanniyar population, Dalits, fishermen and Christians (Vijay is Christian by faith) – others that have a chance are Virugambakkam, Virudhunagar, Villupuram, Vedaranyam, and Vellore. One of the most backward constituencies in Tamil Nadu, Virudhachalam incidentally was the seat from where the DMDK's Vijayakanth made his electoral debut in 2006. Vikravandi, with a high proportion of backward classes, is the second choice. Virugambakkam is also on the list as it was where Vijay once resided in Chennai, but it is a largely urban constituency. 'Virudhachalam fits the narrative of the character Vijay plays in his films, of an underdog and the man of the people. Otherwise, it may be Vikravandi,' said a TVK source. The TVK is also close to finalising its symbol, which is set to be 'TV', an image familiar as well as easily associable with the party's name. The party is set to go then with the slogan 'Ungal vote TV-ku (Your vote is for TV-K)'. About whether the TVK itself would consider aligning with either the AIADMK or DMK, a top associate said: 'It will only damage him. Look at what happened to leaders like O Panneerselvam or Vaiko and G K Moopanar, when they made tactical compromises. You can't join hands with the very enemy you have built your political grammar against,' he said. Aides point out that this stance also helps Vijay stand out in a crowded political landscape filled with parties with shifting loyalties. Vaiko, once DMK chief M Karunanidhi's protégé, was expelled from the party in 1993 and formed the MDMK. It later aligned with the DMK, inviting charges of political opportunism. Panneerselvam, a Jayalalithaa loyalist, lost influence after her death, and since then has been jostling around for friends. Moopanar was a senior Congress leader before he left the party in 1996 to form the Tamil Maanila Congress.
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Business Standard
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
AIADMK defers RS seat allotment, DMDK to reveal poll ties in Jan 2026
Apparently perturbed over AIADMK's decision to defer the allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat to it to 2026, the DMDK said it would announce its poll ties ahead of the Assembly election next year. Stopping short of accusing the AIADMK of not honouring its commitment made before the 2024 Lok Sabha election, DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth said the AIADMK had already allotted a seat each to Dr Anbumani Ramadoss (PMK) and G K Vasan (TMC) in the past and now it was the turn of her party to get a Rajya Sabha seat. Playing down DMDK's decision to make known its stand on alliance on January 9, 2026, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami told reporters in Coimbatore on June 1 that the ties between the AIADMK and DMDK were smooth and attempts to break them would not fructify. On June 1, AIADMK Deputy General Secretary K P Munusamy announced that DMDK remained part of the AIADMK-led alliance and a Rajya Sabha seat will be allocated to that party in 2026. On May 31, DMDK treasurer L K Sudheesh called on Palaniswami and discussed the upcoming Rajya Sabha election. Responding to the development, Premalatha claimed the AIADMK had committed in writing that it would allot five Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat to her party during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. This assurance was given in writing. When we asked him to specify the date, Mr Palaniswami had said the year is not usually mentioned in the letter, Premalatha told reporters here. She did not reveal all these details earlier, as it was the AIADMK's duty to fulfill its commitment. Now we will fulfill our duty by deciding on the alliance at our party meeting in Cuddalore on January 9, 2026, Premalatha told reporters here on June 1 when sought for her reaction. She further said that politics revolved around elections and the AIADMK had fulfilled its responsibility keeping in mind the 2026 Assembly election. We will also do the same, as every political party acts with election in mind. The DMDK would soon announce election-incharge for all the 234 assembly constituencies in the state and commence the poll work, she added. The DMDK general secretary thanked Chief Minister M K Stalin and his DMK for adopting a resolution at that party's general council meeting in Madurai on June 1 paying tributes to DMDK founder Captain' Vijayakanth who died about a year and a half ago.
