Special Correspondent
A Bengaluru-based man identified as Soni alias T.M. Joseph Thaiparambil,resident of Billekahalli, Hulimavu, has been accused of running a wide network of criminal activities including cheating,kidnapping,drug peddling and extortion.
According to the complaint filed with the city police commissioner against Soni,who has earlier served jail terms in multiple cases,allegedly targeted Malayalis in the city.
He was known to frequent clubs and is accused of assaulting inebriated people outside, robbing them of gold and money.
Residents alleged that Soni supplied Narcotics to students of Nursing College near his residence.
Those who failed to pay were reportedly assaulted and forced to stay in his paying guest accommodation. Several students are said to have become addicted under his influence.
Soni’s name has also surfaced in a case at a Christian retreat centre in Bengaluru, where he allegedly threatened priests with a knife over a monetary dispute.
In another case,he is accused of duping the Himachal Pradesh government by procuring Ayurvedic medicines fraudulently.
Recently, he is alleged to have launched a restaurant business under the name “Kebab Magic”, luring Malayali investors with promises of profit.
Once the venture picked up, complainants say he used threats to push them out without repayment. Several victims have filed complaints at local police stations.
Soni is also suspected to be a key MDMA supplier from Bengaluru to Kerala, allegedly using students as peddlers. Apart from drug trafficking, he has been accused of threatening travel agents in Madiwala to extort money.
One complainant,identified as Martin,has submitted a petition to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner demanding strict action.
Authorities from both Karnataka and Kerala are being urged to launch a joint investigation into his activities, as community members allege that “many Malayalis are falling victim to his fraud and drug network.”
