Bengaluru: What began as hush-hush late-night parties in a student-heavy apartment complex on the outskirts of the city has now snowballed into a police probe — not just into drug use, but into how a residents’ welfare association (RWA) allegedly chose to ‘deal’ with it.Office-bearers of the RWA at the large complex at Kumbalagodu (beyond Kengeri) have come under the scanner for reportedly collecting hefty fines from residents — mostly students — for drug use and loud late-night parties, instead of informing police.The issue surfaced after an occupant flagged the matter to city police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh on Dec 6, alleging that the RWA had turned drug violations into a money-collection exercise. A preliminary inquiry by Kumbalagodu police followed.What raised eyebrows were the fine receipts reportedly recovered from students. The reason cited on some of them read: “Using drugs or involving such activities – using illegal substances”, with penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000.Interestingly, the apartment complex had already figured in a separate drug case last month when four people were caught consuming ganja outside the building. While police arrested the suspected ganja supplier from Kerala, they were not aware of the alleged ‘drug penalty’ system inside the complex till they received the tip-off. During questioning, the students told police they had been stocking ganja inside their flats.Located near a medical college, the apartment complex houses hundreds of students from Kerala and other states. According to police, complaints suggest that when the students were caught partying late into the night or allegedly using drugs, the association’s representatives would step in and impose steep fines.“When the students protested, they were allegedly threatened that the matter would be reported to police and their futures ruined,” a senior police officer said.The whistleblower also claimed that security personnel were part of the problem. “Some security guards allegedly catch students smoking ganja, threaten to report them to the association representatives, and collect money,” the whistleblower said.With the allegations mounting, Kumbalagodu police have now formally sought explanations from the RWA.—-—-What cops are looking for– Details of interstate occupants and foreign nationals in the apartment complex– Specifics of security agencies and those providing manpower– Details of all RWAs formed from the beginning– Rules and guidelines mentioned by the RWA– Details of fines collected so far
