Chandigarh Police Suspends Two Officers in Pharmacy Firing Extortion Racket
In a significant development, Chandigarh Police has taken decisive action by suspending two police personnel for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated extortion racket that culminated in a pharmacy firing incident in Sector 32. The suspended officers are ASI Ajay Pal and constable Avinash, both of whom were previously assigned to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the Sector 34 police station.
Gangster Links and Extortion Modus Operandi
Investigations have revealed that the suspended officers were allegedly part of an elaborate extortion scheme orchestrated by key accused Rahul Bisht, a resident of Sector 46 who previously worked at a laboratory in Sector 31 before establishing his own business in Sector 32. Bisht is reportedly linked to notorious gangster Saba Gobindgarh, a close associate of the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The criminal operation followed a calculated pattern. Rahul Bisht would first identify wealthy targets, including owners of immigration firms, chemists, and other establishments. After conducting thorough reconnaissance, he would share their personal details with Saba Gobindgarh, who would then issue death threats to demand substantial ransom payments.
Police Complicity and Intimidation Tactics
When victims approached the police for protection, the SIT—allegedly including the now-suspended officers—would further intimidate them by emphasizing Saba Gobindgarh's dangerous connections to the Bishnoi gang. The SIT members would then reportedly contact Rahul Bisht to negotiate the ransom amount, often settling for a reduced figure that victims felt compelled to pay under duress.
In cases where targets refused to comply with the extortion demands, Saba Gobindgarh would order warning shots to be fired at their establishments to instill fear and force compliance. The firing at Sewak Pharmacy in Sector 32 followed this exact pattern, serving as a violent reminder of the consequences of resistance.
Previous Criminal Record and Current Status
ASI Ajay Pal has a documented history of misconduct. In November 2014, while serving as a constable, he and accomplices allegedly extorted over ₹30 lakh from individuals involved in high-stakes betting in Ludhiana. Posing as an inspector, he threatened to register criminal cases against them. The Crime Branch booked him for extortion, kidnapping, and related charges, leading to his imprisonment. However, he was later acquitted after the complainants retracted their statements.
Following the internal inquiry that uncovered their alleged involvement in the pharmacy firing case, both suspended officers have been attached to the police lines in Sector 26. The crime branch has already arrested the primary conspirators and shooters directly involved in the Sector 32 incident, indicating a broader crackdown on this criminal network.
Broader Implications for Police Accountability
This case highlights serious concerns about police integrity and the potential infiltration of criminal elements within law enforcement agencies. The suspension of ASI Ajay Pal and constable Avinash represents a crucial step toward accountability, but it also raises questions about systemic vulnerabilities that allowed such alleged misconduct to occur.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of this extortion racket, with particular focus on the connections between local criminals, gang networks, and compromised police personnel. The Chandigarh Police's swift action in suspending the officers demonstrates their commitment to addressing internal corruption, though the case underscores the ongoing challenges in completely eradicating such practices from law enforcement institutions.
