Fri Nov 07 04:53:17 UTC 2025: Summary:
A gang of five individuals posing as RTI activists has been arrested in Hubballi, Karnataka, for allegedly extorting money from officials of a co-operative society. The gang, led by Manjunath Haddannavar, reportedly demanded ₹1.5 crore from Samruddhi Co-operative Society officials, accusing them of malpractices. Police apprehended the gang while they were collecting an advance, seizing ₹1.70 lakh.
News Article:
Fake RTI Activists Arrested for Extortion in Hubballi
Hubballi, Karnataka – November 7, 2025 – The Hubballi Gokul Road Station Police have arrested a gang of five individuals accused of extorting money from officials of a co-operative society by posing as RTI activists. The arrests were made following a complaint filed by officials of the Samruddhi Co-operative Society, alleging that the gang had demanded ₹1.5 crore after accusing them of engaging in malpractices.
Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar identified the arrested individuals as Manjunath Haddannavar, Vireshkumar Lingadal, Mahadeshwar Lingadal, Mahabaleshwar Shirur and Shivappa Bommanahalli. According to authorities, the gang specifically targeted co-operative banks and government officials under the guise of RTI activism.
The police successfully apprehended the gang members as they arrived to collect an advance payment. Authorities seized ₹1.70 lakh from the suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
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