Chandigarh Police foil murder plot in Punjab: Abroad-based gangsters recruit class 12 student for killing
PTC News Desk: In a chilling exposure, Chandigarh Police have foiled a murder plot and arrested a minor who was on his way to Patti in Tarn Taran district to execute a murder on the instructions of two gangsters operating from abroad.
The arrest was made based on credible input and technical analysis when the minor, a Punjab resident was intercepted by a Chandigarh Police Operation Cell team on May 6.
The minor, a class 12 student was found to be in contact with gangsters Prabh Dasuwal and Gurvinder Singh alias Afridi Tootawala.
The case exposes a worrying pattern of how young people are being recruited into criminal gangs. The minor, who had recently appeared for his Class 12 board exams and was waiting for his results, allegedly came in contact with the gang just two months ago through Instagram. Later, conversations shifted to Telegram, which gang members reportedly use for giving instructions because of its encrypted messaging system.
According to investigators, the teenager was drawn in because of a personal dispute. He had reportedly been assaulted by a group of boys in his area and, wanting revenge, contacted the gangsters. Sensing an opportunity, the gang allegedly began influencing and grooming him.
In March, he was told to travel to Khemkaran, where he stayed with two alleged gang associates, Love Bhatti and Aman Sharma. During this period, his family did not know where he was and filed a missing person complaint with the local police.
While in Khemkaran, the minor was allegedly asked to open fire at a doctor’s shop near the Amarkot bus stop. However, he reportedly refused because he had never used a weapon before. Investigators said the firing was later carried out by Love Bhatti and Aman Sharma. The teenager returned home after around 20 days.
Meanwhile Chandigarh DGP Sagar Preet Hooda said that the arrest of the minor has exposed how overseas gangsters are radicalising vulnerable youngsters into contract killing.
"Gangsters sitting abroad are shamelessly exploiting young, impressionable boys, turning personal grievances into murder assignments. This boy's life could have been destroyed. We intervened in time. Let me be clear — Chandigarh Police will not allow this city to become a recruiting ground or an operational base for any gang or syndicate, foreign or domestic. Our zero tolerance for organised crime is absolute and unwavering," he said.
Considering that the minor is juvenile, he has been handed over to his parents and his family has been advised to exercise due caution and ensure professional counselling for the boy.
- PTC NEWS
