Parallel justice system in Bengaluru! Apartment body booked for hushing up crimes

The Kumbalgodu police have booked the Provident Sunworth Apartment Association and Tyco Security, accusing them of framing unauthorised penal rules, conducting internal inquiries, and imposing fines on residents involved in alleged criminal activities.

The apartment complex, located in Doddabele in southwest Bengaluru, houses residents from across the country, including students.

Police said investigations revealed that residents were allegedly involved in offences ranging from minor violations to serious crimes such as sexual assault, theft, consumption of narcotic substances, and illegal possession of drugs within the premises and surrounding areas.

Instead of reporting these incidents to law enforcement, the association allegedly questioned the accused internally, imposed monetary penalties under self-framed bylaws, and allowed them to go free.

The private security agency is accused of assisting the association in enforcing these illegal measures.

Police said the practice resulted in the suppression of criminal cases, denial of justice to victims, and enabled accused persons to evade legal action.

Based on these allegations, a case has been registered at the Kumbalgodu Police Station under Sections 211, 238, 239, 3(5) and 3(6) of the law, along with relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The matter is currently under investigation.

Police reiterated that private associations have no legal powers to investigate crimes or impose penalties, and stressed that all criminal offences must be reported to law enforcement without exception.