Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Mar 22: The DCIB police have arrested five associates of underworld element Bannanje Raja in connection to an attempted extortion case.

The arrested are Shashi Poojary alias Shadow (28), Ravichandra Poojary alias Vicky Poojary (30), Dhanraj Poojary alias Dhanraj alias Rock (26), Dhanraj Salian alias Dhanu Kola (30) and Ullas Shenoy alias Ullas (27). Shashi and Ravichandra are from Mangaluru and living in Bengaluru, while Dhanu and Ullas are from Malpe, and Dhanraj, originally from Mangaluru, is a resident of Udyavar.

Shashi, Ravichandra and Dhanraj were arrested in Bengaluru on Thursday March 21. Based on their statements, the other two were arrested in Udupi later.

From top left: Shashi Poojary, Vicky Poojary, Ullas Shenoy, Dhanu Kola, and Dhanraj Poojary

The case relates to a threat call made to a businessman demanding hafta. The case was filed in Brahmavar police station on March 13, and the DCIB police led by inspector C Kiran had formed a team to investigate. The team gathered information and traced the call to Shashi Poojary. Based on the information, the team headed to Bengaluru.

The team kept a close watch on popular partying places and pubs in Bengaluru, like those on Brigade Road, MG Road, St Mark's Road, Residency Road and others. At around 10.30 pm on March 21, the police team noticed three persons standing outside a bar on a bylane in Brigade Road. The police surrounded the men, and identified one of them as Shashi Poojary based on a photograph they had of him. All three were arrested.

During interrogation, the three of them revealed details about the other two accused as well. With this information, the police on Friday March 22 arrested Dhanu and Ullas from Malpe and Brahmavar respectively. Both are in the custody of Brahmavar police.

It may be recalled that Bannanje Raja is currently in Belagavi prison.

DCIB police inspector C Kiran, ASI Ravichandra and other police personnel took part in the arrest operations.