Bawaria gang murder: Verdict in AIADMK leader Sudharsanams killing on Nov 21
The "Bawaria gang" refers to a group of criminals from the Bawaria community who carried out a series of robberies and murders in Tamil Nadu between 1995 and 2005. They targeted residential areas along national highways, looting millions of rupees and killing 13 people. The gang's activities were the subject of a major police operation, leading to the conviction of key members and inspiring the film "Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru".
Chennai: The Chennai Sessions Court is set to deliver its long-awaited verdict on November 21 in the sensational two-decade-old murder case of former AIADMK minister K. Sudharsanam. The case, which involves a notorious interstate criminal gang and inspired a major Tamil film, has been under trial for the past four years, concluding a tragic chapter that began with a brutal home invasion in 2005.
The Brutal Night: A Home Invasion and a Minister's Murder
K. Sudharsanam, a member representing the Gummidipoondi constituency and the former Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, was murdered at his home in Thaakkulam near Periypalayam on January 9, 2005. In the early hours of the morning, a gang of six individuals broke into the house, assaulted and tied up Sudharsanam's younger son, Sathish. Hearing the commotion, Sudharsanam, who was sleeping on the floor, confronted the intruders. The robbers responded by shooting him dead at point-blank range before fleeing with 63 sovereigns of gold jewellery and a significant amount of cash.
The Manhunt: Cracking the "Bawariya Gang" and Cinematic Inspiration
The murder of a sitting minister sent shockwaves through the state, prompting the then Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa, to order an immediate and intensive investigation. A special team led by IG Jangid was formed, which cracked the case within a month. The investigation revealed the perpetrators to be part of the infamous "Bawariya gang"—a group of interstate criminals from Haryana and Rajasthan known for a spree of robberies and murders across Tamil Nadu between 1995 and 2005.
The police operation that led to their capture was so extensive and dramatic that it later served as the inspiration for the hit Tamil film "Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru." During the manhunt, two of the main culprits were encountered by police, while others were apprehended.
The Long Road to Justice: Trials, Sentences, and the Final Verdict
Initially, a case was registered against 32 individuals, though 23 remain at large. Only nine accused, including Om Prakash and his brother Jagadish from Haryana, were arrested and faced trial. Over the years, the case has seen several developments; two convicts were initially sentenced to death, a punishment later commuted to life imprisonment. One of the key accused, Om Prakash, died while serving his sentence in prison.
The case has been under final deliberation in the Madras High Court for the last four years. The verdict now scheduled for November 21, the judiciary is poised to deliver closure in a case that has highlighted the challenges of interstate crime.