In a shocking case, a hotel owner faces extortion and gunfire in Mohali, exposing the growing threat of organized crime in the region. Mohali, once known for its clean streets and planned neighborhoods, is now facing a worrying rise in violent incidents targeting business owners.

The victim, Manpreet Singh, aged 38, is the son of hotelier Tara Singh Saini, who owns Regenta Place Hotel in Sector 119, TDI City. Manpreet lives in Sector 38C, an area once considered among Mohali’s safest neighborhoods.

The ordeal began on October 23, around 8:56 PM, when Manpreet received a WhatsApp call from an international number. The caller introduced himself as gangster Lucky Patial, a name feared across Punjab for extortion and shootings. He threatened Manpreet, saying, “If you want to work peacefully, pay the money, or your family will die.” Fearing for his loved ones, Manpreet blocked the number and immediately informed senior police officers.

However, the threats didn’t stop. Soon after, another man, Arvind, called and demanded ₹2 crore in ransom. The following morning, around 9 AM, Manpreet stepped outside his home and found four empty bullet shells scattered on the road. The outer wall, main gate, and even his tenant’s Mahindra Thar were marked with bullet holes, showing the shooters had fired multiple rounds.

Nearby CCTV footage revealed two men on a motorcycle firing at his house before escaping. Neither wore helmets, making identification difficult. Manpreet said, “If anyone had been outside at that time, someone could have died.” Police believe the shooting was ordered by Lucky Patial to intimidate him into paying the ransom.

Acting swiftly, officers from Police Station 39 registered a case against Lucky Patial and his accomplices. They charged them under attempt to murder (Section 109), extortion (Section 308(4)), criminal intimidation (Sections 351(3) & 3(5)), and criminal conspiracy (Section 61B) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). They also applied Sections 25, 27, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act.

Manpreet, who is related to AAP politician Hardeep Singh, has asked for police protection. Authorities increased security around his home and hotel immediately. At the same time, Mohali Police launched anti-gang operations to dismantle Lucky Patial’s network, which operates from abroad but continues to run extortion rackets across Punjab.

In recent years, extortion and shooting incidents have surged in Mohali and nearby areas. According to Punjab Police data, the state registered over 120 extortion cases in 2023, a 25% increase from the previous year. Most victims were small business owners, traders, and hoteliers.

Experts believe this rise is driven by economic stress and the use of social media platforms by gangs. They now rely on WhatsApp, Telegram, and VPN-based calls to threaten victims, making them hard to trace. Moreover, foreign-based leaders like Lucky Patial continue managing their operations remotely through local handlers.

Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the cybercrime units are now working with central agencies to trace gang activities. “We are tracking calls made from abroad using advanced digital tools and international cooperation. No gangster will escape justice,” he stated.

To boost safety, police have increased night patrols, added CCTV cameras in high-risk areas, and started community policing programs. These efforts aim to reassure residents and encourage them to report suspicious behavior promptly.

Meanwhile, local business groups and resident welfare associations are helping police maintain vigilance. They hold awareness meetings, share security updates, and assist officers in monitoring crime-prone sectors. This coordination is improving response times and strengthening trust between citizens and police.

Social analysts argue that curbing organized crime requires a multi-layered strategy. They call for stricter cyber surveillance, tighter financial scrutiny, and better rehabilitation programs for at-risk youth. According to experts, fighting gangs is not just a police task, it is a shared social duty.

In conclusion, the case of a hotel owner faces extortion and gunfire shows how criminals now use fear and technology to spread terror. Yet, with strong police action, smart surveillance, and united community efforts, Mohali can fight back. Together, citizens and law enforcement can ensure a safer, peaceful city for all.

Daily News

Chandigarh, November 7: A major investigation launched in son’s death of Punjab DGP Mustafa has drawn national attention as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) takes charge of the case. The inquiry revolves around the mysterious death of Aqil Akhtar, the son of Mohammad Mustafa, a former Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab. Aqil died under unclear circumstances in Panchkula, Haryana, on October 16, sparking widespread concern and speculation.

The CBI has registered an FIR against several people, including Aqil’s parents, Mohammad Mustafa and his wife, Razia Sultana, a former cabinet minister. The FIR also names Aqil’s wife and sister, charging all four with murder and criminal conspiracy.

However, the case has taken a complicated turn. Aqil’s family claims that he died due to a drug overdose, not murder. But a neighbor, Shamshuddin Chaudhary, raised suspicions of foul play and lodged a formal complaint. Following this, the police filed a murder case against the family members.

Initially, the Haryana Police began the investigation. Later, the state government recommended that the CBI take over, reflecting a growing pattern where serious and politically sensitive cases in Punjab are handed to central agencies for a fair probe. Over the past decade, the CBI has handled several high-profile cases in the region involving corruption, murder, and organized crime.

In a crucial development, investigators found that on August 27, Aqil had uploaded a 16-minute video online. And that video reveals deep tensions within his family. He expressed fear for his life, saying his mother and sister were plotting against him. He also claimed he was forcibly sent to a rehabilitation center and cut off from his income, saying, “They have taken everything from me.”

CBI officials have confirmed that they are investigating these family disputes as a key part of the case. A spokesperson stated, “The FIR was registered on allegations of ongoing discontent between the deceased and his family.” This suggests that the agency is focusing on both emotional and financial motives behind Aqil’s death.

Currently, the CBI is gathering digital and forensic evidence to piece together what happened before Aqil’s death. Officers are analyzing mobile phones, computers, and CCTV footage. They also plan to question everyone named in the FIR, including family members and close associates.

Experts note that this case highlights a deeper issue linked to drug abuse in Punjab and Haryana. Both states have been struggling with rising addiction rates for over a decade. According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, more than 70% of Punjab’s population has faced substance-related issues at some point. In addition, state health department data shows drug-related criminal cases have been increasing by 20% annually.

Social workers say addiction often leads to family conflicts and breakdowns, which can have tragic results. Aqil’s story reflects how mental health and substance use issues can spiral into larger crises. Activists are urging the government to improve access to counseling, rehabilitation, and family support programs to prevent such tragedies.

Meanwhile, the CBI’s involvement underscores the seriousness of this investigation. Known for handling sensitive and complex cases, the agency is now working closely with state forensic experts and cyber specialists. Their goal is to ensure transparency and uncover the full truth behind Aqil’s death.

Political observers believe the case could have broader implications. Mohammad Mustafa, a senior police officer and political figure, is a well-known name in Punjab’s power circles. Therefore, the investigation’s outcome may influence public opinion and political discourse in the state.

As the probe continues, residents across Punjab and Haryana are following the developments closely. Many are hoping for justice and clarity. While others see this as a wake-up call to address the growing issues of drug abuse, mental health struggles, and family distress in the region.

In conclusion, the investigation launched in son’s death of Punjab DGP Mustafa sheds light on a web of family conflict, alleged crime, and substance abuse. With the CBI now leading the inquiry, citizens are looking for a transparent and fair investigation that uncovers the truth and delivers justice. This case also serves as a reminder of the urgent need for better awareness, addiction recovery programs, and mental health support in Punjab and beyond.

Daily News

In a major breakthrough, an MBA graduate arrested for running immigration scam has shocked Punjab and Haryana. The accused, Sahil Sharma, 35, from Hoshiarpur, was arrested in Jaipur on November 3. He allegedly cheated about 100 people who wanted to move abroad. His arrest marks a big step in exposing a large interstate immigration racket.

The case began when Shivcharan Singh, a resident of Panchkula, filed a police complaint. His son, Gurvinder Singh, met Sahil through a friend while seeking to migrate to Australia. Pretending to be a certified travel agent, Sahil demanded ₹14 lakh for visa and placement services. The family transferred ₹5 lakh to his account and paid ₹9 lakh in cash. When they realized he had tricked them, they immediately reported the fraud to the police.

After receiving the complaint, ACP Vikram Nehra launched an immediate investigation. Police filed an FIR at the Chandimandir Police Station under the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy. Soon, the team uncovered a large network of fake immigration offices running across several states.

A few days later, police caught Sahil’s aide, Paramjit Singh, in Kharar on October 24. He had been hiding under a fake identity as “Pradeep Singh.” During interrogation, Paramjit confessed and revealed Sahil’s location. Acting swiftly, officers traced Sahil to Jaipur and arrested him. The court granted police custody until November 11.

Police also detained another gang member, Ramandeep Kaur from Yamunanagar, using a production warrant. Investigators learned that Sahil operated a chain of illegal immigration consultancies in Ludhiana, Zirakpur, and Yamunanagar, showing his wide network and organized setup.

Records show Sahil’s long criminal background. He faces 13 cases in Yamunanagar, six in Shahkot (Jalandhar), and two each in Zirakpur, Ferozepur, and Ludhiana. He also has one case in Panchkula. Courts have already declared him a proclaimed offender in six cases across Punjab. Several of his partners also face multiple criminal charges in various districts.

Investigators found that Sahil kept changing homes and mobile numbers to escape arrest. He used fake IDs and several SIM cards to hide his identity. Reports suggest he was expanding his scam to Rajasthan to cheat more people.

Interestingly, Sahil is an MBA graduate who once qualified for a government teaching job in Punjab but refused it. Instead, he chose to build a criminal business targeting people’s hopes of settling abroad.

During raids, the police seized massive wealth from him, including 874 grams of gold and diamond jewelry worth ₹1.25 crore, ₹26.5 lakh in cash, 12 mobile phones, a laptop, 25 ATM cards, two passports, and an SUV. Officials expect more recoveries as the investigation continues.

Further investigation revealed that the gang worked across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. They created fake bank accounts and forged documents to scam victims. Officers suspect some bank and telecom employees may have helped them, as biometric verification rules were ignored during account openings and SIM card issuances.

To track the gang, police used technical surveillance, CCTV footage, and intelligence analysis. These methods exposed how Sahil’s team ran a professional scam. They lured clients with fake job offers and visas and even used forged flight tickets to appear genuine.

One shocking incident occurred on June 10, when Sahil cheated 80 people by giving them fake air tickets to Australia. He asked them to gather at Delhi International Airport and then disappeared, leaving them stranded.

Authorities believe this case highlights a serious immigration fraud problem in northern India. Many educated youths, desperate to go abroad, fall victim to such scams. Police departments are now working with the immigration department to tighten verification procedures and monitor travel agents more closely.

As investigations continue, police expect more victims to step forward. The evidence collected so far will help track fake accounts and identify additional gang members. Officials say that stronger inter-state coordination will be crucial in completely dismantling such fraud networks.

In conclusion, the arrest of the MBA graduate arrested for running immigration scam exposes how criminals exploit people’s dreams of foreign life. With teamwork, new surveillance technology, and public awareness, authorities aim to stop these frauds. This case serves as a reminder for citizens to verify immigration agents carefully and rely only on licensed consultants to stay safe from scams.

Daily News