Ballari SP’s Gunman Among Two Arrested in ‘SP Squad’ Extortion Case

Overview

• Ballari police arrested Devaraj, the SP’s gunman, and Sairam on May 6 after a complaint accused impostors of extorting a rice transporter.
• The group allegedly stopped two rice‑laden vehicles near the Moka forest on the night of April 27–28, demanded ₹5 lakh, and took about ₹3 lakh after threats to seize the trucks and file cases.
• Investigators seized the cash, a four‑wheeler, and mobile phones, and booked the pair under Sections 308 and 3 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s new criminal code.
• The SP began suspension and departmental proceedings against Devaraj and stated that no official ‘SP squad’ operates in the district.
• A third accused, Ballari advocate Gadilinga, is on the run as police probe possible past offences and pursue separate rice‑smuggling cases against the complainant.