'Mining king' arrested in toll plaza extortion case

In a significant breakthrough, the Jalandhar Rural Police have arrested a notorious criminal, who had been terrorising employees at Chak Bahmania Toll Plaza on the Jalandhar-Moga National Highway. The accused, who has a history of serious criminal offences, was apprehended along with a .315 bore rifle and a white Fortuner vehicle (PB10-EG-9541) used in the crime.

The accused has been identified as Ravinder Singh, alias Binda,  resident of village Kokri Vaihiniwal, Moga.

Speaking to the media, SSP Jalandhar Rural, Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh, said the operation was conducted under the supervision of the SP, Investigation, Jasroop Kaur Bath, and DSP Onkar Singh Brar. Inspector Sukhdev Singh, SHO, Mehatpur, led the operation following complaints of threats and toll evasion.

The arrest came after toll plaza manager Sonu Tomar filed a complaint about the repeated incidents of armed threats, barrier breaking and toll evasion, causing losses worth lakhs of rupees to the company by the accused. The accused would threaten employees at gunpoint to allow his vehicles to pass without payment.

During the arrest on January 21, the police recovered a .315 bore rifle and a white Fortuner. The accused, known locally as the "mining king," operates a transport company with 13 trolleys and five tippers, primarily used for illegal sand transportation.

An FIR under section 125,351(3), BNS, and 25/27-54-59, Arms Act, was registered at Shahkot.

Investigation reveals that Ravinder Singh has 16 criminal cases registered against him across various police stations, including charges of attempt to murder, theft, criminal intimidation and illegal weapons possession. The police are investigating his involvement in illegal mining operations along the Sutlej.

The accused has been remanded to police custody for two days. Investigations are ongoing regarding his financial assets and possible connections to other criminal activities.

The police said the arrest marks a significant victory of the police special campaign against criminal elements, demonstrating zero tolerance for extortion and illegal activities in the region.

Recoveries and former cases

A .315 bore rifle has been recovered from the accused, along with a White Fortuner

The assets of the accused include 13 trolleys, five tippers used in illegal sand transportation

There were 16 cases against him, including attempted murder, criminal intimidation, illegal weapons possession and theft cases registered across Moga and Ludhiana districts.