Punjab Police Successfully Dismantles Two Criminal Gangs with Arrest of Ten Individuals

The Punjab Police announced on Thursday that they have dismantled two criminal groups, including a UK-based extortion ring, by arresting ten individuals. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that initial investigations revealed the syndicates' intricate cross-border operations. Key figures in the UK, Greece, and Manila were orchestrating extortion and shootings in Punjab.

Jalandhar Rural police also uncovered a weapons procurement network operating from Madhya Pradesh. The dismantling of these modules has helped trace at least 14 cases of extortion and shootings, significantly disrupting foreign-backed crime in the state. Further investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages in this case.

Breakthrough Arrests and Weapons Seizure

Senior Superintendent of Police Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh reported that the first breakthrough occurred when police intercepted a car near Giddarpindi toll plaza. Three suspects were arrested after recovering two .32-bore pistols, six live rounds, and five magazines from the vehicle. The arrested individuals were identified as Amandeep Singh alias Aman, Jagwinder Singh alias Shani, and Jaskaran Singh alias Sara.

During interrogation, the accused disclosed that their operations were being directed by UK-based kingpin Jagdeep Singh alias Jagga. Financial support came from Greece-based Paramjit Singh alias Pamma, while logistical coordination was managed by Manila-based Manjinder Singh alias Mani. The gang had recently acquired pistols from Khargon city in Madhya Pradesh under instructions from their overseas handlers.

Further Arrests and Criminal Activities

In a subsequent operation, police apprehended three more gang members: Ajay Kumar alias Billa, Vishal of Seinpura, and a juvenile. One pistol with three live cartridges was seized from them. This notorious gang was involved in three major criminal incidents, including targeting a Bholath-based businessman on Jagdeep's orders and procuring weapons from Madhya Pradesh.

This operation has dealt a significant blow to the international crime syndicate operating in our region. In another operation, police arrested four members of another gang: Harvinder Singh alias Raju, Dalwinder Singh alias Guri, Sarabjit Singh alias Punjab alias Kaka, and Harpreet Singh alias Shera.

Confessions and Additional Crimes

Police teams recovered two .32-bore pistols with six live rounds and three magazines and one .315-bore pistol with two live rounds. During interrogation, the gang members confessed to multiple crimes including a shooting and extortion at Blair Khanpur. They also admitted to an armed assault on a grocery shop owner, an armed robbery near Leather Complex, extortion from migrant labourers, and several motorcycle thefts.

The gang further revealed their connections to a local drug trafficking network. These arrests have significantly disrupted criminal activities in the region and highlighted the international links of these gangs.