Korangu Krishna is one of the lesser-known yet significant figures in the history of Bengaluru’s underworld during the 1970s and 1980s. While names like Kotwal Ramachandra, M.P. Jayaraj, Muthappa Rai, and Agni Sreedhar became widely known, Korangu Krishna played a crucial role during the formative years of the city’s gang culture.
Why Was He Called “Korangu” Krishna?
The nickname “Korangu” means “Monkey” in Kannada and Tamil. According to underworld accounts, Krishna earned this nickname because of his agility, quick movements, and ability to escape from difficult situations. His athletic build and fearless nature made him stand out among local rowdies of that era.
Early Days in Bengaluru
Read this first – M.P. Jayaraj; Ruthless criminal of Indira brigade
Korangu Krishna rose from the streets of Bengaluru when the city was witnessing the emergence of organized rowdy gangs. During this period, local disputes, extortion rackets, labor union conflicts, and political patronage were creating a fertile environment for gang activity.
Unlike later gangsters who operated with sophisticated networks, Krishna belonged to the first generation of Bengaluru’s rowdy culture.
Association with M.P. Jayaraj
One of the most significant chapters in Korangu Krishna’s life was his association with M.P. Jayaraj, who was considered one of Bengaluru’s most feared underworld leaders.
Jayaraj built a powerful network of loyal followers, and Korangu Krishna was among the trusted names associated with his circle. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Jayaraj’s influence extended across several parts of Bengaluru, particularly in labor unions and local political circles.
The Jayaraj-Kotwal Rivalry
The rivalry between M.P. Jayaraj and Kotwal Ramachandra became one of the most infamous gang wars in Karnataka’s history.
Korangu Krishna was often mentioned among the men who stood with Jayaraj during this turbulent period. The conflict led to multiple attacks, murders, and retaliatory actions that shaped Bengaluru’s underworld landscape for years.
Reputation in the Underworld
Unlike some gangsters who sought publicity, Korangu Krishna maintained a relatively low profile. However, within underworld circles, he was known for:
- Extreme loyalty to his associates
- Physical courage during gang confrontations
- Ability to command respect without holding formal leadership positions
- Strong influence among street-level operatives
Many former underworld figures have described him as a fearless fighter rather than a mastermind.
Connection to Agni Sreedhar’s Narratives
Read Here Too – Agni Sreedhar and Muthappa Rai: The Story of Friendship, Conflict, and Bengaluru’s Underworld
Much of what is known about Bengaluru’s underworld comes from the writings of Agni Sreedhar and other chroniclers of that era.
Several accounts mention Korangu Krishna as part of the ecosystem that existed before the rise of later figures like Muthappa Rai and Ravi Pujari. His story reflects the transition of Bengaluru’s underworld from localized street gangs to more organized criminal syndicates.
Legacy
Korangu Krishna may not have achieved the national notoriety of Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan, or even Muthappa Rai, but his role in Bengaluru’s underworld history remains significant.
His life represents an era when gang rivalries were largely local, personal loyalties mattered more than financial empires, and Bengaluru’s underworld was still evolving into the larger networks that emerged in the 1990s.
Today, his name survives mainly through books, underworld memoirs, and stories passed down by those who witnessed the city’s turbulent criminal history.
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