2 held in extortion case following brief encounter in Jind

Jind: The Jind police have arrested two accused in an extortion case following a brief encounter near the Ikkas bypass.According to DSP Rishab Saudhi, the accused allegedly demanded weekly extortion money from a dhaba owner in Safidon and vandalised his establishment when their demand was not met.Acting on a tip-off, an AVT team led by sub-inspector Yashveer Singh set up a checkpoint on Bhiwani Road after a case was registered at Safidon City police station on dhaba owner's complaint . Police said the accused — Tapan of Kurar, currently residing in Safidon's New Grain Market, and Govardhan alias Bunty of Anchra Khurd village — were heading towards Safidon in a car with weapons.When police tried to stop the vehicle near the Ikkas bypass, the driver allegedly attempted to flee, crashing into a signboard on the canal embankment. While trying to escape, police claimed, Tapan opened fire at SI Yashveer Singh with a .315-bore pistol, but the bullet hit the officer's bulletproof jacket.As the accused allegedly tried to reload his weapon despite warnings to surrender, the officer fired in self-defence, injuring Tapan in the leg. Police overpowered him and recovered a .315-bore pistol and two live cartridges from his possession.Another accused, Govardhan alias Bunty, was also apprehended after a brief chase.Tapan was admitted to the Civil Hospital in Jind for treatment, while Govardhan was produced before a court for further legal proceedings.A fresh case has been registered against both the accused at Sadar Jind police station. Police said the two accused, along with six to seven accomplices, allegedly attacked Badal Saini Dhaba, owned by Shubham Saini, a resident of Ward No. 8, Safidon, on the Panipat-Safidon Road on May 25. The group reportedly demanded Rs 10,000 per week as protection money from the owner. When he did not comply, the accused allegedly vandalised the premises, damaging furniture, CCTV cameras, a refrigerator and LED equipment.MSID:: 131508761 413 |