Mastermind held for demanding Rs 10 lakh extortion in Kotkapura

The Faridkot police have cracked an extortion case by arresting the alleged mastermind and his accomplice for allegedly demanding Rs 10 lakh from a medical store owner in Kotkapura while posing as members of the “Goldy Brar group” and “Lawrence Bishnoi gang”.

SSP Gurbans Singh Bains said the accused had been identified as Arun Kumar, son of Pramod Kumar, and Pankaj alias Bhulla, son of Devki Nandan, both residents of Mohalla Harnampura, Kotkapura. Another person, Bhinda Gill, who allegedly assisted the duo, has also been named as an accomplice in the case.

According to the police, complainant Karan Arora alias Binny, who runs a medical store on Jaitu Road in Kotkapura, found a yellow envelope lying on the floor of his shop when he arrived to open it on the morning of August 7.

The envelope contained a typed note demanding Rs 10 lakh as “protection money”. The note was allegedly sent by persons claiming to be members of the Goldy Brar group and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The complainant was also allegedly threatened with dire consequences, including death, if the money was not paid.

Following the complaint, SP (Investigation) Jogeshwar Singh directed the formation of a special police team under DSP Sanjeev Kumar to trace the suspects.

Using technical inputs and human intelligence, the police team traced and arrested the two accused. They are being produced before a court to seek their police remand for detailed interrogation.