In a major breakthrough against organised crime, Jalandhar Rural Police has dismantled two dangerous criminal gangs, including one operating under UK-based handlers, arresting 10 hardcore criminals in two separate operations. The police recovered a massive cache of weapons and exposed an international extortion racket targeting local businessmen.
Speaking to the press media, the senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jalandhar Rural, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that the crackdown was executed under the supervision of SP Investigation Jasroop Kaur, DSP Investigation Sarwanjit Singh and DSP Sub Division Shahkot Onkar Singh Brar.
"This operation has dealt a significant blow to the international crime syndicate operating in our region," said SSP Khakh. "The arrested gang members were working at the behest of foreign handlers and were involved in multiple shooting incidents and extortion attempts."
The first breakthrough came when a police team led by Inspector Yadwinder Singh, SHO Police Station Lohian, along with police team, intercepted three suspects near Giddarpindi Hitech Toll Plaza. The team apprehended Amandeep Singh alias Aman, son of Jagtar Singh of Billi Baraich, Jagwinder Singh alias Shani, son of Jagtar Singh of Mulewal Khaira, and Jaskaran Singh alias Sara, son of Dilbar Singh of Sidhwa Dona, who were traveling in a Toyota Corolla Altis (PB-65-H-9100). The search led to the recovery of two .32 bore pistols, six live rounds, and five magazines.
During interrogation, the accused revealed that their operations were being orchestrated by UK-based kingpin Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga, with financial support from Greece-based Paramjit Singh alias Pamma and logistical coordination by Manila-based Manjinder Singh alias Mani. The gang had recently pistols from Khargon city, Madhya Pradesh.
In a follow-up operation on November 13, police team arrested three more gang members: Ajay Kumar alias Billa of Shahjahanpur, one Juvenile of Donewal, and Vishal of Seinpura Kapurthala. The team recovered one more .32 bore pistol with three live rounds and seized a Jupiter scooter (PB09-AK-8740).
A notorious gang was found involved in three major criminal incidents. First, Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga, with the help of Ajay Kumar alias Billa, supplied a pistol for a shooting targeting a Bholath businessman. In another case, five gang members were caught with a 32-bore pistol and cartridges, leading to charges under multiple IPC sections for planned criminal activities. Lastly, it was discovered that the gang received financial support from abroad to purchase arms, with members acquiring pistols and ammunition from Madhya Pradesh.
In a parallel operation, CIA Staff Jalandhar Rural under Inspector Pushap Bali apprehended four members of another dangerous gang: Harvinder Singh alias Raju of Ahmedpur, Dalwinder Singh alias Guri of Dhaliwal Dona, Sarabjit Singh alias Punjab alias Kaka of Athola, and Harpreet Singh alias Shera of Katni Gate. The team recovered two .32 bore pistols with six live rounds and three magazines, one .315 bore pistol with two live rounds, a Platina motorcycle, an Activa scooter, and two mobile phones.
During interrogation, this gang confessed to multiple crimes including a Rs. 25,000 shooting and extortion at Blair Khanpur, an armed assault and shooting at a grocery shop owner, a Rs. 46,000 armed robbery near Leather Complex, extortion of Rs. 25,000 from migrant labourers, and multiple motorcycle thefts. They also revealed connections to a local drug trafficking network.
The police have registered two FIRs: Case No. 102 dated 09.11.2024 under sections 25-54-59 Arms Act at PS Lohian, and Case No. 95 dated 13.11.2024 under sections 308(2), 310(4), 310(5), 111 IPC and 25(1)(6)(7)(8)-54-59 Arms Act at PS Maqusdan.
Notably, accused Harvinder Singh alias Raju has multiple previous cases, including Case No. 43 (21-05-2010) under sections 382, 411 at PS Lambra, Case No. 43 (01-01-2015) under NDPS Act at PS Sadar Kapurthala, and Case No. 153 (24-05-2022) under NDPS Act at PS Cantonment C.P.Amritsar.
Total recoveries in both operations include seven pistols (six .32 bore and one .315 bore), 18 live cartridges 10 magazines, one Toyota Corolla Altis, one Jupiter scooter, one Platina motorcycle, one Activa scooter, and two mobile phones.
"These arrests have significantly disrupted criminal operations in the region," SSP Khakh emphasised.
“The accused will be produced in court where we will seek police remand to investigate their network further and recover more weapons. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against organised crime and illegal weapons."The successful operation, have effectively dismantled a major international crime syndicate and prevented numerous potential serious crimes in the region, said SSP Khakh.