Nothing learnt from Telgi case: R Srikumar

Bengaluru: “The criminal is dead, but the question is what lessons have we learnt from this case? This was a classic case of how a criminal can misuse the entire system that exposed holes in our criminal justice system. But no efforts were made bring in change,” said former DG & IGP R. Srikumar, who also headed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that was set up to probe the multi-crore stamp paper case.

Speaking to DC, Mr Srikumar termed Abdul Kareem Telgi, the kingpin of the racket who passed away on Thursday, as a ‘shrewd person’. “He was facing around 120 cases in about 12 states but he still managed to run the illegal trade. He knew how to escape from the clutches of the law. If he got arrested, he managed to get bail and run the show. He did not even spare his associates, who he thought were a hurdle for his business. There were instances where he has ensured a case was filed against such associates and they were arrested,” he recalled. 

“The Bengaluru police had arrested him and the SIT was formed to conduct the probe. It was found that he was using phones in the jail and contacting people outside to run his business. He used multiple SIM cards then. We intercepted his phone calls and were shocked to know  his contacts. It had kicked up a political storm then. After we investigated the case for two years, the case was referred for a CBI probe. After that so many things did not even come out,” Mr. Srikumar said, adding that even the SIT was not allowed to function smoothly. On the fact that despite behind bars, Telgi managed to strengthen his nexus with police and prison staff, Mr. Srikumar said, “It was just his money and political clout that made things easy for him.”