Conman poses as ex-CM's grandson, arrested

The police on Sunday arrested a man who posed as grandson of former chief minister the late J H Patel and blackmailed politicians and contractors for money.

According to the police, the arrested has been identified as Arun Kumar (28) alias Arun Patel, a native of Kattalagere village in Channagiri taluk of Davangere district. The former chief minister too hailed from Channagiri taluk.

It is said that Arun Kumar had been blackmailing contractors and politicians of the taluk for money over the past few months.

Initially, he introduced himself as a personal assistant of former MLA Mahima Patel, the son of J H Patel. Later, he posed as grandson of J H Patel.

He had been touring the taluk for the past several months and threatened contractors that he would expose their illegal activities if money is not paid to him. Following this, a contractor had filed a complaint with the Thirthahalli police.

Believing that Arun Kumar is the grandson of the former chief minister, the Town Panchayat honoured him at Dasara Utsav held on the premises of Sri Rameshwara temple in the town on September 30.

But, suspecting his activities, many people on Sunday rushed to the inspection bungalow where he had been staying for the past 11 days. They questioned him about his family background. Finally, he admitted that he is not the grandson of J H Patel, the police said.

Thirthahalli MLA and former minister Kimmane Ratnakar has written to the police seeking a thorough probe into Arun Kumar’s activities.