3 youths were clicking random pics in Sriganganagar, but it was a recce for gangsters abroad, know how they fell into police net?

Police in Sriganganagar have arrested three youths allegedly working for notorious gangsters Rohit Godara, Amit Pandit alias Jack and Yogesh Swami.

The suspects were reportedly conducting reconnaissance of prominent businessmen and doctors, capturing photos and gathering personal details to aid extortion operations.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Tarun Kaler, Amar Pratap Singh Pintu and Neeraj Khanna. According to police, the trio was found taking photographs of shops and hospitals using their mobile phones.

One suspect even attempted to destroy his phone by smashing it on the road, arousing further suspicion.

Upon examining their devices, police discovered photos and videos of a shop in the New Grain Market. During interrogation, Tarun Kaler confessed to conducting surveillance on a businessman at the direction of gangsters Amit Pandit and Yogesh Swami.

He, along with the other two accused, was also gathering information on doctors, their hospitals, and other influential individuals, including mobile numbers, residential and workplace addresses and videos.

Police sources said the trio had been regularly sending the collected data to Pandit and Swami, who would then make extortion calls to the targeted individuals.

Victims were threatened with violence, including firing at their homes or establishments, if they failed to pay.

The gang also arranged hideouts, weapons and escape routes for shooters. The extorted money was reportedly transferred to Amit Pandit through hawala channels.

The accused were found to be part of a well-organized network assisting the gangsters. Police have registered a case against them under Sections 308(2), 111(2)(b), 111(3), 111(4), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Amit Pandit and Yogesh Swami, both residents of Chak 15-Z village, have been implicated in several serious crimes and are believed to be absconding abroad. Further revelations are expected during the remand of the arrested suspects.