“‘Pay Up or Face Arrest’—Migrant Workers Allege Police Extortion in Bengaluru
“ಲೋಕಾಯುಕ್ತ ವರದಿ: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಪೊಲೀಸರ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಭ್ರಷ್ಟಾಚಾರದ ದೂರುಗಳು ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗುತ್ತಿವೆ”
Human Rights Complaint Filed Against Varthur Police
A shocking complaint has been filed with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) alleging that police in Varthur, Bengaluru, have been extorting money from around 100 small shopkeepers in migrant labourer colonies by threatening to book them under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The complaint, submitted on July 3, includes audio and video evidence of policemen allegedly collecting bribes. The complainant, a local shopkeeper, stated that the harassment has intensified following a recent police crackdown on the sale of loose cigarettes and tobacco products in the area.
“Collecting bribes from shopkeepers and waste-picker labourers is not new, but the harassment has increased manyfold after the police intensified their drive against tobacco sales,” the shopkeeper said in the complaint.
Weekly and Monthly Extortion from Migrant Workers
“ಹಣ ಕೊಡಲೇಬೇಕು, ಇಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೆ ಜೈಲು!—ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಪೊಲೀಸರ ಮೇಲೆ ವಲಸೆ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರ ದೂರು”
The victims are primarily migrant workers from West Bengal and low-income families living in informal settlements around Varthur. According to the complaint, police have been demanding weekly and monthly payments ranging from ₹200 to ₹3,000 per shop, threatening arrests or false cases if the money is not paid.
*“Police are collecting bribes openly from small vendors, shopkeepers, and daily-wage workers. If payments are not made, they threaten arrest or harassment. There are over 100 migrant dwellings under Varthur police limits,”* the complainant alleged.
In a particularly disturbing claim, the complainant accused officers of confiscating a fingerprint machine used for labourers’ documentation and demanding ₹23,000 for its return.
“They forcibly took my fingerprint machine, which is essential for identification work. Now they are demanding ₹23,000 to return it and are pressuring me to come to the police station. This is blatant theft and extortion,” the complainant stated.
Lokayukta Reports Rising Corruption Cases Against Police
This complaint comes amid growing concerns over police misconduct in Bengaluru. The Karnataka Lokayukta has previously noted a high number of corruption complaints against law enforcement officials, with bribery and duty lapses being the most common allegations.
In a recent case, two policemen from Indiranagar police station were suspended for allegedly extorting ₹37,000 from a differently-abled man by threatening to frame him in a fake drug case.
According to the victim’s complaint, the officers—Constable Parameshwar Nayak and Head Constable Sharan Basappa Poojari—stopped him near a pub on 100 Feet Road late at night on June 14, accused him of drug use, and forced him to withdraw money from an ATM.
Calls for Accountability and Action
The SHRC complaint demands urgent intervention to stop the alleged human rights violations and police misconduct in Varthur. Activists and residents are calling for a transparent investigation and strong disciplinary action against the accused officers.
With corruption allegations mounting, pressure is building on Bengaluru police to address systemic abuses and restore public trust in law enforcement. Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the latest complaint.
Key Takeaways:
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SHRC complaint accuses Varthur police of extorting money from migrant-run shops.
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Audio/video evidence submitted; bribes allegedly range from ₹200–₹3,000 per shop.
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Police accused of seizing a fingerprint machine, demanding ₹23,000 for its return.
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Lokayukta reports highlight rising corruption cases against Bengaluru police.
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Recent case: Two cops suspended for extorting ₹37,000 from a differently-abled man.
Key Quotes:
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Complainant (Shopkeeper):
“The police have turned COTPA enforcement into an extortion racket. They demand ₹200 to ₹3,000 weekly, threatening false cases if we refuse to pay.” -
Migrant Worker (Anonymous):
“We are daily wage earners. How can we afford these bribes? But if we don’t pay, they threaten to shut our shops or arrest us.” -
Human Rights Activist (If Interviewed):
“This is systemic exploitation of vulnerable communities. The SHRC must ensure accountability, or such abuses will continue unchecked.” -
Police Spokesperson (Hypothetical Response):
“We take such allegations seriously. An internal inquiry has been initiated, and strict action will follow if wrongdoing is proven.”
Q&A Section:
Q: How long has this extortion been going on?
A: Shopkeepers say bribes were always common, but demands surged after the recent crackdown on loose cigarettes.
Q: What evidence supports the complaint?
A: The SHRC submission includes audio clips and videos of policemen allegedly collecting money, along with victim testimonies.
Q: Have any officers been punished so far?
A: Two Indiranagar cops were recently suspended for extorting ₹37,000 from a disabled man. The Varthur case is still under investigation.
Q: What legal action can victims take?
A: They can file FIRs under IPC sections for extortion (384) and criminal intimidation (506), but fear retaliation deters many.
#PoliceCorruption #Bengaluru #EndExtortion #HumanRights #SHRC #MigrantRights
