The Chandigarh Police have arrested a 21-year-old air conditioner mechanic for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 5 lakh from a local jeweller by posing as a gangster. The suspect, identified as Jaskarn Singh, alias Karn, is a native of Dhanaula in Barnala, Punjab, and currently resides in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Threatening WhatsApp Message Triggers Investigation
According to a complaint filed by a city jeweller, the victim received a threatening WhatsApp message demanding Rs 5 lakh in the name of gangster Goldy Dhillon. The message prompted the jeweller to approach the police, leading to the registration of a case against an unidentified person at the Sector 17 police station on June 20.
The police launched an investigation and subsequently arrested Jaskarn Singh. During interrogation, the suspect revealed that he was facing financial difficulties. He admitted to hatching the extortion plan after watching videos related to a recent firing incident at a medical hall in Sector 11. Inspired by the coverage, he decided to send threatening messages to local jewellers, using the gangster's name to instill fear.
Suspect Targeted Multiple Jewellers
The police disclosed that Jaskarn Singh had searched the internet to obtain the mobile numbers of four jewellers in the city. He then sent extortion demands to them, hoping to collect money to alleviate his financial woes. Two mobile phones used in the commission of the offence were recovered from his possession.
Following his arrest, the suspect was produced before a court, which remanded him in two-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating whether he had any accomplices or if he targeted other victims.
Financial Motive Behind the Crime
Authorities noted that the suspect's financial difficulties drove him to commit the crime. The case highlights the growing trend of cyber-enabled extortion, where criminals use messaging platforms to threaten victims. The police have urged the public to report such threats immediately and not to succumb to extortion demands.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are analyzing the recovered mobile phones for further evidence. The jeweller community has been advised to remain vigilant and verify any suspicious messages.
