Why this SI-turned extortionist wants to defeat Minister George in the next elections?

Challaghatta Chandra, a notorious extortionist and highway man who was once a sub-inspector with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), has finally been nabbed by the CCB sleuths in Bengaluru Saturday night. The investigators are stumped by his massive assets including 10 houses and nearly 100 sites all worth Rs 100 crore! However, what has left the police surprised is the fact that this extortionist was keen to defeat Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George by contesting in the 2018 elections.

Challaghatta Chandra was wanted in at least 10-year-old dacoity case. He was notorious on the highways extorting and robbing the passengers. He had even formed a gang of his own brothers to extort people. His house in Dollar's Colony is said to be worth 4.5 crore!

It is said that Chandra had - of late - identified himself with a national political party and was preparing to contest against Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George from Sarvajna Nagar constituency, in the next Assembly elections. Chandra apparently urged the CCB team that "Please, Sir, do not spoil my political career dream. If you want I could give Rs 50 lakh but I want to contest against George and defeat him." He even claimed that a national party  high command had even promised to give a ticket in the next elections, reports Kannada Prabha. 

It is interesting to note Chandra's entry into the bad world. He was the Assistant Sub-Inspector with the CISF, Delhi in 1987 however, he would visit his family 'frequently' claiming medical reasons. And whenever he visited here, he would - along with his brothers - would extort people or rob people on highways. For nearly 14 years, he indulged in crime despite being in the service. However, he was dismissed from the service as his request for medical leave became "too much", reports Prajavani. After the dismissal, Chandra totally involved in extortion. He has illegally acquired sites close to 100 from innocent men and had his own gang that would deal in real estate. Several cases of extortion, dacoity and robbery have been registered against him at HAL, Electronic City and Channapatna rural police stations.

Despite Chandra involved in criminal activities for nearly 30 years, it is surprising to note that the police have  not named him as the rowdysheeter.

• KJ George
• challaghatta chandru