Key Accused in Rs 5-Crore Extortion Conspiracy Apprehended After US Deportation
In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, the Machhiwara police have successfully arrested a pivotal accused involved in a high-stakes Rs 5-crore extortion conspiracy targeting a trustee of an educational institution. The suspect, who had allegedly fled to the United States using an illegal migration route, was apprehended at the Delhi Airport recently following his deportation from the U.S. and the issuance of a look-out circular (LOC) by Punjab Police.
Details of the Arrest and Accused
The accused has been identified as Kamalpreet Singh, also known as Billa, a resident of Kotla in Amritsar. He was wanted for his critical role in the September 30, 2024, attack on Baldev Singh, a trustee of a private school. On that day, assailants fired upon Baldev Singh while he was traveling in his Fortuner vehicle from Machhiwara to Chandigarh. The violent assault occurred near the Garhi bridge on the Sirhind canal, approximately 3 kilometers from the school, resulting in injuries to the victim.
Police Investigation and Interrogation
Providing detailed insights into the case, SHO Machhiwara, sub-inspector Pavittar Singh, stated that Kamalpreet Singh served as a vital link in the conspiracy. He allegedly assisted local criminals from abroad to orchestrate the multi-crore ransom demand. Following his arrest at the Delhi Airport on March 24, he was transported to Machhiwara and placed on a two-day police remand. Investigators are currently conducting intensive interrogations to determine his specific involvement and to identify other associates within the criminal syndicate.
Background of the Case and Previous Arrests
The police investigation has already led to the registration of a formal case against five suspects. Among those previously arrested are Gurpreet Singh from village Mohawa and Preetpal Singh Gora from Attari. Sources have revealed that the attack was executed as a "supari" or contract hit, carried out at the behest of gangsters based overseas. Based on earlier interrogations, three additional names have been incorporated into the First Information Report (FIR). Authorities have confirmed that the firing incident was a deliberate and calculated attempt to terrorize the complainant into submitting to the multi-crore ransom demand.
Orchestrated Terror for Extortion
The SHO emphasized that the accused individuals demanded a ransom worth crores during the initial stages of the plot. He suggested that the suspects specifically "orchestrated" the violent firing on the complainant to demonstrate their lethal capabilities and to forcibly extract the extortion payment. This tactic was designed to instill fear and ensure compliance with their financial demands.
