Jhunjhunu: The investigation into the firing at the residence of councillor Rajkumar Baberwal in Ratangarh, Churu, has taken a significant turn as local police have expanded the probe and made multiple arrests, including family members of gangsters linked to the case.
Arrests of Parents
On Thursday, Ratangarh police arrested the parents of gangsters Rohit Godara and Virendra Charan following interrogation. Churu Superintendent of Police Nishchay Prasad M confirmed that the police first took them into custody and later formally arrested Rohit Godara's father, Santdas (70), his mother, Geeta Devi (68), and Virendra Charan's father, Narendra Singh Charan (73).
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred on May 14 when a hired shooter from Punjab opened fire at Baberwal's home, causing panic among local residents who were startled by the sound of gunfire. According to police, the firing was carried out by associates of Godara and Charan as part of an extortion attempt targeting councillor Baberwal.
Police investigations revealed that the ransom money allegedly extorted through threats by the gangsters was used to support the family members of the accused. Investigators are questioning the gangsters' parents on suspicion that the ransom amount demanded from the Ratangarh councillor was also routed to them.
Expanded Probe and Arrests
So far, police have arrested a total of seven individuals linked to the case. This includes two shooters from Punjab and two associates of the Godara gang who were captured in Jaipur. During questioning, it was revealed that the shooting was reportedly carried out at the behest of Godara and Charan, indicating a calculated move in the ongoing gang conflicts in the region.
Authorities continue to investigate the financial network behind the extortion and the role of the arrested parents in facilitating the crime. The case highlights the deep-rooted criminal networks operating in the area and the police's efforts to dismantle them.
