Jalandhar Police Apprehend Two in Rs 2 Crore Extortion Case Targeting NRI Couple
In a significant breakthrough, the Jalandhar rural police have arrested two accused individuals who allegedly demanded a staggering Rs 2 crore as extortion from an elderly NRI couple residing in Shankar village. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the community, involves detailed threats and exploitation of familial connections.
Threatening Calls and Messages
According to SP (Detective) Vineet Ahlawat, the incident came to light on March 21 when Baljinder Kaur, wife of Pavittar Singh, filed a complaint. She reported that her husband received a call from an unknown international number. The caller, claiming affiliation with the group of Goldy Brar, demanded Rs 2 crore within 10 days, issuing severe threats if the amount was not paid.
Later that same day, the couple's son, Ranjit Singh, who lives abroad, informed his mother that he too had received a call and a WhatsApp message from an international number. This message escalated the threat, demanding Rs 1.5 crore within just one day and warning of an armed attack on their family home. The accused displayed intimate knowledge of the family's assets, specifically mentioning a Fortuner vehicle and a large house, which heightened the sense of fear and urgency.
Investigation Unveils Conspiracy
Based on these alarming reports, an FIR was promptly registered, launching a thorough investigation. The probe revealed a calculated conspiracy involving two individuals: Teerath Singh and Jashandeep Singh alias Jashan.
- Teerath Singh: A relative of Ranjit Singh's in-laws, Teerath had returned to India in February with his family. Despite running a well-established transport business abroad, he succumbed to greed and provided inside information about the victim family, including their financial status and property details.
- Jashandeep Singh: A taxi driver by profession, Jashandeep collaborated with Teerath in the extortion plot. He procured an international e-SIM online and used it to make threatening calls and send messages from his residence, leveraging the anonymity of digital tools.
The duo had meticulously planned the extortion, with Jashandeep set to receive Rs 25 lakh and Teerath aiming to pocket Rs 1.25 crore from the illicit scheme.
Arrests and Legal Action
Through diligent police work, both accused were apprehended. Teerath Singh's involvement highlights how personal connections can be exploited for criminal gain, while Jashandeep's role underscores the misuse of technology in modern extortion tactics. The arrests have brought relief to the targeted NRI family and serve as a stern warning against such predatory crimes.
This case emphasizes the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting in combating extortion, especially when it involves vulnerable groups like elderly residents. The Jalandhar police's swift action demonstrates their commitment to upholding law and order in the region.
