Sarpanch arrested for collecting ‘goonda tax’ from motorists

The Patiala police on Sunday arrested Maheru village sarpanch Baljinder Singh two days after an FIR was registered against him and five others for allegedly collecting “goonda tax” (Rs 100 to Rs 1,000) from motorists for using the village road by setting up an illegal “toll plaza”. The video went viral in which the accused were seen collecting money from a vehicle owner passing through the village.

The police confirmed that Baljinder Singh had been arrested. He would be produced in a court and thereafter questioned on the total money collected by them.

As traffic movement is closed across Shambhu border due to the farmers’ stir since February 13, 2024, commuters often take alternative routes through nearby villages to reach their destinations.

One such route passes through Maheru village, where some individuals started collecting “goonda tax” from commuters. Recently, a video showing that illegal activity went viral, prompting the police to take action.

A case under Section 308 (2) of the BNS has been registered against Sarpanch Baljinder Singh, Harvinder Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and three unidentified persons.

In the video, one can clearly hear a person stating that the panchayat has decided to set up a “toll plaza”. “Stern action will be taken if anyone is found involved in the illegal activity,” Patiala SSP Nanak Singh had said.