Fourth accused in Ghumar Mandi gold heist identified

Ludhiana: In the 2kg gold dacoity from a jewellery shop in Ludhiana’s Ghumar Mandi on January 29, the Punjab Police has identified the fourth robber, too, as Shiv Preet. Even as the other three — Tejinder Singh, alias Teja, Vishnu, alias Sam, and Bhushan — have already been arrested, police have failed to make any recovery in the case.
The Organised Crime and Control Unit (OCCU) had arrested Tejinder, the mastermind of the heist, from Mohali on June 1. A set of Punjab police uniform, along with an ID card of Seema Suraksha Bal, a paramilitary force of MHA, were seized from him. He also possessed a Chinese 30 calibre pistol, 10 cartridges and a Chevrolet Optra car and had fake Aadhaar card and driving licence.
Police said Tejinder was mobilising funds for a spate of targeted killings as part of a pro-Khalistan agenda.
AIG, counter-intelligence and OCCU, Gurmeet Singh Chauhan said, “We are investigating the radical links in the case as well as robbery of an SUV from Kharar which was used to commit the Ludhiana gold robbery. While three accused have been arrested, their fourth accomplice has been identified as Shiv Preet. He is on the run. Efforts are being made to identify those who gave them shelter and assistance before and after the dacoity.”
One of the accused told during interrogation that after executing the heist, they fled to Delhi and Noida. “Following a fight over fair distribution of the loot, they parted ways. The three gang members were against Tejinder. No recovery has been made as they are blaming each other for possessing the robbed gold,” Chauhan added.
Vishu was arrested by Khanna police on May 22.
Deputy commissioner of police (detective) Simratpal Singh Dhindsa said, “Bhushan was arrested the previous month and is in judicial custody. All accused are giving different statements to mislead investigation.”
On January 29, four armed robbers had barged into VK Jewellers in Ghumar Mandi in broad-day light. After holding shop owner Vinay Jain and his employee captive, they had escaped with 2kg gold worth Rs 80 lakh.