Amritsar Commissionerate Police have dismantled a sophisticated extortion and armed robbery network that allegedly operated under the guidance of Europe-based handlers. Three individuals identified as key operatives in multiple firing incidents, extortion attempts, and robberies across Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur districts have been apprehended.
Gang Busted Following Petrol Pump Incident
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the breakthrough in the case came during the ongoing investigation into a firing and robbery incident that occurred at a petrol pump on Loharka Road. According to Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, the accused allegedly opened fire at the petrol pump premises around 1 a.m. on May 22, subsequently looting approximately Rs 25,000 at gunpoint before making their escape.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gurdev Singh, Jashanpreet Singh, and Harparasdeep Singh. During the police operation, a .30 bore ‘zigana’ pistol, eight live cartridges, a Mahindra Thar vehicle, a motorcycle, and two mobile phones were recovered from their possession. These seizures are considered significant in the ongoing investigation into the gang’s criminal activities.
Europe-Based Handler Identified
During interrogation, the arrested individuals reportedly confessed to their involvement in a series of criminal activities, including firing attacks and armed robberies spanning various parts of Punjab. Police investigations have linked the gang to at least seven documented criminal incidents. These incidents include targeted attacks on residences, business establishments, and petrol pumps located in the Tarn Taran, Amritsar Rural, and Ferozepur districts.
Key incidents that have reportedly been solved as a result of these arrests include firing incidents outside residences near Goindwal Sahib, armed assaults on a shop in Rayya, and an attack that took place in Kamalgarh village in Ferozepur. These revelations underscore the widespread nature of the gang’s operations and the threat they posed to public safety.
According to police sources, the gang operated under the direct instructions of a Europe-based handler identified as Judgebir Singh, also known as Karan. This handler is alleged to have connections with known gangsters Doni Bal and Prabh Dasuwal, suggesting a deeper nexus within the criminal underworld. The modus operandi involved making extortion calls through local associates, with targets being meticulously identified and information shared via mobile applications.
Key Link Between Handler and Operatives
Further investigations revealed a critical link within the network: Jashanpreet Singh, one of the arrested individuals, is reportedly the maternal cousin of the Europe-based accused, Judgebir Singh. Jashanpreet is alleged to have acted as a primary conduit, facilitating communication and coordination between the foreign-based handler and the local operatives carrying out the criminal activities on the ground. Investigators believe his role was crucial in the planning and execution of these unlawful acts, receiving instructions from abroad.
Police have named a fourth accused, Maheep Singh of Amritsar, in connection with the case. Maheep Singh remains at large, and extensive raids are currently underway to apprehend him and identify any other potential members of the criminal network. The focus is on uncovering the full extent of the organization responsible for extortion, illegal weapons supply, and other gang-related crimes operating within Punjab.
The Commissioner stated that further investigations are actively in progress to meticulously uncover the wider network involved in these criminal enterprises. The current focus remains on understanding the intricate web of individuals, the supply chain for weapons, and the overall coordination of gang-related crimes that have impacted the region. The police department has emphasized its commitment to bringing all individuals involved in these activities to justice.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
