Man wanted in Rs 30L extortion case held after 2-yr hunt

In a major breakthrough, the Jalandhar (Rural) police have apprehended a notorious criminal, who had allegedly attempted to extort Rs 30 lakh from a family, by claiming links with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The suspects had been evading arrest since 2021.

Giving more information, Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jalandhar (Rural), said the Nakodar police achieved this significant breakthrough following intensive investigation and surveillance.

“The case dates back to September 2021, when the suspect made WhatsApp calls to one Rano, wife of Darshan Lal, demanding Rs 30 lakh while claiming association with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and threatening to kill their son Sher Kumar. Five other gang members have been previously arrested in this case,” the SSP said.

The arrested suspect was identified as Vishal Sabharwal, alias Bharthu, a resident of Mohalla Rishi Nagar, Nakodar. The SSP said five other arrested suspects were identified as Ankush, alias Bhaiya, Muhammad Yasin Akhtar, alias Jaycee, Gagandeep Singh, alias Babbu, Rohit and Karnail Singh, alias Bobby.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Jasroop Kaur Bath, SP (Investigation), Sukhpal Singh, DSP, Nakodar sub-division, and Sub-Inspector Baljinder Singh. Earlier, a case was registered under Sections 386 of the BNS and Arms Act at the Nakodar Sadar police station.

“Vishal Sabharwal has a history of serious criminal activities. He will be produced before a court to seek police remand for further investigation,” the SSP said.