Jamshedpur extortion gang busted after Tinplate market firing; three arrested, arms seized
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 24: Jamshedpur police have busted an alleged extortion gang involved in the firing incident at Tinplate Vegetable Market…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 24: Jamshedpur police have busted an alleged extortion gang involved in the firing incident at Tinplate Vegetable Market last week, arresting three accused, including the gang’s alleged kingpin Karan Singh alias Jaskaran Singh, who was released from jail on March 31 this year after preventive detention under the Crime Control Act (CCA).
The two other accused arrested are Mandeep Singh and Romi Singh alias Sardar. Police also recovered two country-made pistols, four live cartridges, one spent shell casing and the Splendor motorcycle allegedly used in the crime.
Trader targeted for ₹1 lakh extortion
According to police, the accused allegedly demanded ₹1 lakh in extortion from a trader at the Tinplate Vegetable Market on the evening of July 18.
When the trader resisted the demand, the trio allegedly opened fire to terrorise the businessman and intimidate other traders before fleeing the spot.
A case was registered at Golmuri police station, following which a special investigation team was constituted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police (City) on the directions of the Senior Superintendent of Police.
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Technical surveillance leads to arrests
Acting on technical surveillance and human intelligence, the police first arrested Jaskaran Singh and Mandeep Singh.
During interrogation, the duo allegedly led investigators to the recovery of a country-made pistol, one live cartridge, a spent shell casing and the Splendor motorcycle (Registration No. JH-05 BT-4437) allegedly used in the firing.
Based on their disclosures, police later arrested Romi Singh alias Sardar, who was allegedly found in possession of another country-made pistol and three live cartridges.
A separate case has been registered in connection with the recovery of the illegal firearms, and further investigation is underway.
Kingpin has over 15 criminal cases
Police said Jaskaran Singh is a habitual offender with a criminal history spanning more than 15 cases registered at Golmuri, Bistupur and Telco police stations. The cases include charges of attempt to murder, extortion, robbery, theft, assault and offences under the Arms Act.
Mandeep Singh also has four criminal cases against him, including charges of attempted murder and assault.
Investigators believe that soon after being released from jail in March, Jaskaran revived his gang and began rebuilding an extortion network in Jamshedpur. Police suspect the firing at Tinplate Vegetable Market was intended to establish the gang’s dominance and create fear among local traders.
All three accused have been remanded to judicial custody while further investigation is in progress.
