TNN

Bangalore, Apr 15: When Indiranagar police laid their hands on a six-member gang near a bank, they thought they had caught robbers. However, investigation revealed the gang was not only into burglaries, but also `budding' politicians in Puducherry.

One of the gang members was even involved in three political murders, which took place in Puducherry 14 years ago. In Karnataka, they are said to be involved in more than 13 cases of robbery. Police recovered valuables worth Rs 22,34,000, including $ 26,000.

On April 8, Indiranagar police received a tip-off on their movement near a bank. The arrested are K Kumar alias Pondichery Kumar, Vasanth Kumar, Senthil Kumar, Prabhakar, Shankar and Ramesh. Three others are absconding.

During interrogation, the arrested men confessed they were from Puducherry and had earlier tried to rob a bank in Channarayapattana, Hassan district, and another in Ulsoor. However, they could not finish the job as they couldn't break the lockers.

Police said the gang members were for a long time henchmen of politicians in Puducherry. K Kumar was involved in three murders of persons from rival parties. While Thalaivar Kumar was murdered 14 years ago, Muthuraj and Alex were killed 15 years ago. He was arrested and convicted for involvement in all three cases. The gang is also said to be involved in four attempt-to-murder cases.

After being released from jail, Kumar organized a group and began robbing banks and houses in Bangalore. For some time, the gang tried hobnobbing with Puducherry politicians. When that did not pay, they decided to stay back in Bangalore.