Mohali Police Apprehend Long-Absconding Accused in 2020 PNB Armed Robbery
In a significant breakthrough, the Mohali police have successfully arrested an absconding accused in the high-profile 2020 armed robbery at Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Phase 3A. The accused, who had managed to evade law enforcement for years, was officially declared a proclaimed offender by the court.
Identity and Arrest Details of the Accused
The arrested individual has been identified as Sandeep Singh alias Sunny, originally a resident of Mehatpur village in Jalandhar and currently residing in Chandigarh. The arrest was executed as part of a special drive targeting fugitives, under the strategic directions of SSP (Mohali) Harmandeep Singh Hans.
A dedicated police team, led by ASI Balwinder Singh, who is in charge of the proclaimed offender (PO) staff, carried out the operation. The entire process was closely supervised by SP (Investigation) Saurav Jindal and DSP (Command Centre) Bhupinder Singh, ensuring a coordinated and efficient effort.
Background of the 2020 PNB Robbery Case
According to police officials, Sandeep Singh was a key wanted figure in an FIR registered on June 17, 2020, at the Mataur police station. The charges against him include serious offenses under IPC sections 392, 379-B, and 34, along with violations under sections 25, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act.
The case stems from an armed robbery at the Punjab National Bank, where Sandeep allegedly committed the crime at gunpoint before disappearing underground to avoid capture. This evasion lasted for several years, making his arrest a top priority for the authorities.
Extensive Criminal Record and Additional Charges
Police investigations reveal that Sandeep Singh is not only implicated in the PNB robbery but is also wanted in multiple other criminal cases across different jurisdictions. He has been formally booked under IPC sections 411, 482, and 170, as well as the Arms Act, at the Phase 1 police station in Mohali.
Furthermore, his name appears in another FIR registered under sections 384 and 120-B at the City Kharar police station. This pattern underscores his involvement in a range of illicit activities, highlighting the urgency of his apprehension.
Wide-Ranging Criminal History Across States
An examination of police records indicates that approximately 20 criminal cases are registered against Sandeep Singh, spanning regions including Punjab, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Among these, one case is notably a murder charge, adding to the gravity of his criminal profile.
This extensive history of alleged offenses demonstrates the persistent threat he posed to public safety and the determined efforts required by law enforcement to bring him to justice. The arrest marks a critical step in addressing his long-standing evasion and holding him accountable for his actions.
