by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, June 7: The public thrashed a person severely and handed him over to Police accusing him of posing as a Commercial Tax Officer and extorting money from traders in city.

M.R. Venkataramu, a temple priest by profession and son of S. Ramaswamy of Chennapatna, was beaten by the public for allegedly collecting money from traders at Santhepet here last evening, posing as a Commercial Tax Officer.

He was rescued by Devaraja Police Constable H.R. Ananthaswamy who was on duty at the spot and was brought to the Police Station.

On interrogation, Venkataramu disclosed his identity and said that he had come to Mysore to see his brother.

“While I was walking near K.R. Circle some people suddenly pounced on me and beat me,” Venkataraju reportedly told the Police.

The Police let Venkataramu after receiving an undertaking from him saying he was not the culprit, said Inspector Ramachandraiah.

As none of the traders identified Venkataramu as the impersonator and as no complaint was lodged, Police did not book a case.