Synopsis
The Punjab Police have successfully disrupted an extortion ring connected to US-based gangster Gurdev Jassal, leading to the arrest of two operatives. DGP Gaurav Yadav announced significant findings related to the case, including large sums of money and firearms.Key Takeaways
- Punjab Police arrested two operatives linked to Gurdev Jassal.
- Extortion efforts included intimidation via gunfire.
- Victim paid Rs 50 lakh following threats.
- Significant cash and firearms were recovered.
- Assistant Sub-Inspector dismissed for involvement.
Chandigarh, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Punjab Police have dismantled a significant extortion scheme orchestrated by a US-based gangster, Gurdev Jassal, with the apprehension of two of his associates, as reported by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.
The second arrested individual has been identified as Ankus Maini, hailing from Gurdaspur district.
DGP Yadav stated that initial investigations indicated that on February 4, Jassal's associates opened fire at a petrol station owned by a Kalanaur businessman to intimidate him and extract funds.
After receiving persistent threat calls and a demand for Rs 1 crore in extortion money, the businessman ultimately paid Rs 50 lakh on February 11, he added.
He noted that Jassal's gang utilized foreign phone numbers for threats and coordinated payments, systematically routing the extortion proceeds through various intermediaries.
The investigation uncovered that ASI Surjit Singh and Ankus Maini were implicated in the collection and distribution of the extorted funds.
The DGP announced that ASI Surjit Singh has been terminated from service under Article 311(2) of the Constitution.
Ongoing inquiries aim to establish both backward and forward connections in this case, he added.
Detailing the operation, Senior Superintendent of Police (Batala) Suhail Qasim Mir mentioned that recently, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sadar Batala police station received intelligence regarding a local officer's involvement in managing extortion funds.
Acting on this information, an operation was initiated, resulting in the arrest of the ASI. Following his confession about concealing a large amount of money at his home, a team proceeded to his residence in Harnam Nagar, Batala, where Rs 76.32 lakh in cash was discovered in a hidden compartment. He claimed the money was sent by his son, who resides in the US.
The SSP mentioned that during the technical investigation, the individual who delivered the money to the ASI was identified, resulting in the arrest of Ankus, who revealed that the funds he had given to the ASI were extorted by the US-based Gurdev Jassal.
Police teams also seized Rs 5.91 lakh and a .32 bore pistol along with two cartridges from Ankus’s possession, in addition to impounding his black Mahindra Scorpio vehicle.
