3 running extortion racket held after shootout in Muktsar

Three alleged associates of Lawrence Bishnoi gang were arrested after an encounter at Lubanianwali village on Muktsar-Ferozepur Road here on Saturday late night.

The accused had demanded an extortion of Rs 1 crore from a businessman two days ago. The businessman had lodged a complaint to the police and an FIR was registered against unidentified persons.

Muktsar SSP Tushar Gupta said a plan was chalked out to nab the accused and the complainant was asked to negotiate with them.

He said the extortionists agreed to take Rs 15 lakh and asked the complainant to come to Lubanianwali village to handover the money. The accused came on a motorcycle on Saturday night and tried to run away after getting the money. However, a police team surrounded them.

“One of the extortionists opened fire on the police team. In retaliation, the police also fired upon them and one of them identified as Sukhmandar Singh got injured. He along with other two accused - Lakhbir Singh and Sarwan Singh were arrested,” said the SSP.

He said that during preliminary investigation it was learnt that one of the accused was an employee of the businessman.

“The injured is admitted to the hospital. Now, we will seek police remand of these accused and try to ascertain their backward links. As of now, it appears they are not associated to Lawrence Bishnoi gang,” added the SSP.