Kolar man posing as ‘baba’ to rob families arrested; spent stolen riches on 3 wives, 10 children
Bengaluru: A 49-year-old cycle repair shop owner from Kolar, who posed as a ‘baba’ (holy man) to dupe families and steal gold jewellery, has been arrested by the Hulimavu police.
The accused, identified as Dadapeer, targeted middle-class households in Bengaluru and other cities by claiming he could ward off evil forces and solve domestic problems through special rituals, as reported by Deccan Herald on Wednesday.
After Dadapeer gained the victims’ trust, he would instruct them to bring their jewellery for a “special puja.” During the ritual, he placed the ornaments inside a box, sprinkled turmeric and flowers, and then asked the family to step out, saying the ritual required privacy. He would then flee with the valuables, telling the victims not to open the box for 21 days.
Police said Dadapeer approached families from different communities, adapting his appearance and speech to match their faith. He frequently changed SIM cards and names to stay off the police radar.
Investigations revealed that he had three wives, 10 children, and multiple extramarital affairs, added the report. The stolen gold and money were allegedly spent on his partners and personal luxuries.
Police said his arrest has helped crack at least three cases, with gold ornaments worth Rs 53 lakh recovered so far. They suspect he carried out similar offences in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
ALSO READ: Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa laid to rest with full state honours
Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
