Gang posing as cops abduct, extort jeweller

Mohali: A jeweller was allegedly abducted and extorted of ₹5 lakh by a gang posing as police and CIA staff in Zirakpur. Three accused have been arrested, while two remain at large.

According to the complaint, Gaurav Goyal, proprietor of MG Jewellers and a Panchkula resident, was at his shop on the Chandigarh-Ambala road around 3.50pm on June 5 when a black Scorpio stopped outside.

Three men entered the shop, one in khaki attire and another carrying a file, along with a handcuffed person. They allegedly accused Goyal of dealing in stolen goods, seized his phone and car keys, handcuffed him and forced him into the vehicle. An employee was also taken along.

Police said the accused identified themselves as CIA staff and allegedly assaulted Goyal inside the moving vehicle while threatening him with a knife. They initially demanded Rs 10 lakh and later took him to an area near McDonald’s in Zirakpur, where they called his father.

Under threat, the accused allegedly extorted Rs 5 lakh before fleeing. The complainant later alleged he received a call demanding 11g of gold, purportedly to be shown as “recovery” in a fabricated case.

A case has been registered, and three accused have been arrested. Police said efforts are on to trace the remaining suspects and probe if the gang was involved in similar incidents.