Sarpanch arrested over collection of ‘goonda tax’

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 using the village road by setting up an illegal “toll plaza”. In a viral video, 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 the Shambhu border due to 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 had gone viral, prompting the police to take action.

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

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.