Bangalore: A team led by Kalasipalyam Police Inspector S.K. Umesh was able to apprehend seven anti-social elements in the city on Wednesday.

The police gave the names of the arrested as Todalu Manja (26), Kirik Manja (24), Auto Manja (22), Juice Manja (25), Venkatachala (30), Srinivasa and Prashanta. They seized six swords from them.

They told The Hindu that the group of anti-social elements was said to be associates of Onte Sunil, the main accused in the murder of Bekkinakannu Rajendra. Rajendra was found murdered two years ago near Hotel Chalukya in High Grounds Police Station limits.

K.V. Sharat Chandra, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), said the group members were on their way to kill members of a rival gang — Onte Jayaram and Laggere Babu.

The police, who received this information, formed a team and were going around Chamarajpet.

According to information received by the police, the seven anti-social elements, who were travelling in three cars, were near T.C.M. Royan Circle at Chamarajpet. The police found the accused drinking tea near the circle. They had parked their cars on the roadside. When they saw the police, the anti-social elements tried to flee. The police reportedly gave them a chase and arrested six persons.

However, Todalu Manja, Mr. Chandra said, went and was hiding in a garage. The police, who went in to arrest him, were attacked by Todalu Manja. Mr. Umesh reportedly warned him to surrender to which Todalu Manja paid no heed.

The DCP said the police were forced to fire three shots, one of which hit Todalu Manja's left leg. The police were able to arrest him. He said the accused was treated for his bullet injury.

Mr. Chandra said that four members managed to escape. Those who had been arrested had several cases registered against them. Search operations to arrest those who managed to escape had been launched.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu