Punjab: Highway robbery gang busted, 6 nabbed with weapons

The police have arrested six members of an inter-district gang involved in a series of violent highway robberies across Punjab.

Acting on a tip-off, the police launched a targeted operation resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons and narcotics.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Harvinder Singh Virk, SSP, Jalandhar Rural, as part of an ongoing special campaign against criminal elements and drug trafficking.

The action was led by SI Govinder Singh of Phillaur, under the guidance of SP (Investigation) Sarbjit Rai, DSP (Phillaur) Sarwan Singh Ball, and Chief Officer Bhushan Kumar.

According to police officials, a vigilant citizen informed the police that a group of offenders was planning a robbery near the GT Road, targeting passersby in the early morning hours. The accused had allegedly been operating in Ludhiana, Goraya and Rahon road, using intimidation and violence to rob victims of cash and valuables.

Based on this information, a team led by SI Govinder Singh swiftly conducted a raid at Zakheera, Phillaur. The suspects were found gathered with sharp-edged weapons, including kirpans, a datar, and a sword. while discussing plans to loot an ATM. The police apprehended all six suspects and recovered six mobile phones, a motorcycle (PB-08-CC-2948, Bajaj Platina), and 288 loose intoxicating tablets.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ranjit Kumar, Kulveer Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, alias Babu, Harjeet Singh, alias Sonu, Mandeep Singh, alias Mani, and Harjeet Singh, alias Jeeti. Police records indicate that several of them are repeated offenders with past cases of theft, robbery, and drug-related crimes.

Ranjit Kumar and Harjeet Singh, alias Jeeti, each have five previous cases registered against them. An FIR has been registered under Sections 399, 402, and 111 of the BNS, with additional charges under the NDPS Act.

The police have obtained the remand of the accused and further interrogation is underway to uncover the full extent of their operations and possible connections to other criminal networks.