BENGALURU: Nagaraj, infamously known as Wilson Garden Naga, has gained notoriety across Karnataka after a photograph of him relaxing with actor Darshan within the confines of Central Prison, Bengaluru, went viral on August 25. Naga, who has gained a reputation as a wannabe gangster in Bengaluru, is implicated in 25 criminal cases, with the 26th case recently added at Parappana Agrahara due to his prison encounter with Darshan. At 38, Naga hails from the Vinayaka Nagar slum in the Wilson Garden area.
Initially notorious as Wilson Garden Naga following his first rowdy-sheet, he is currently listed as a rowdy-sheeter at five police stations, including Siddapura and Kalasipalya. His criminal activities began before he turned 18, with his first offense being vehicle theft. As an adult, he was first arrested in 2004 for robbing a person of valuables. Naga’s parents, who are Tamil Nadu laborers that settled in Bengaluru decades ago, have three children, including Naga.
While imprisoned for the 2004 robbery, Naga befriended notorious gang members, shifting from petty thefts to serious crimes such as murders, extortions, and kidnappings. His criminal network expanded as he formed alliances with notorious figures like Cycle Ravi and Double Meter Mohan. The murder of rival Shanthinagar Linga by Mohan led to a power struggle, eventually resulting in Naga forming his own gang.
His violent career saw several retaliatory killings, including those orchestrated by Siddapura Mahesh. Ultimately, Naga’s criminal ventures resulted in further violence and controversy, including the infamous photo with Darshan.
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