Extortion racket busted, three in net

The Delhi Police have arrested three persons, including the kingpin of an extortion gang, operating in outer Delhi, NCR areas and Haryana.

The Delhi Police have arrested three persons, including the kingpin of an extortion gang, operating in outer Delhi, NCR areas and Haryana.

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According to the police, the gang targeted affluent businessmen, satta operators, cable operators and people involved in disputed properties.

The accused have been identified as Pradeep Dahiya, the kingpin of the gang, and his accomplices — Joginder and Krishan. Dahiya lives in outer Delhi’s Narela, while his aides are from Panipat. One rifle with six live cartridges, a revolver and two pistols have been recovered from them, police said.

The gang members, who are also involved in smuggling of firearms, allegedly used their gun power and criminal background to collect extortion, police said. They used to carry rifle, revolver or pistol to create terror among people.

BS Jaiswal, deputy commissioner of police (outer) said the arrest came after a team of Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) learnt about the movement of three criminals in the Mangolpuri area. “A trap was laid near Outer Ring Road. A Maruti Swift car, in which the three were riding, was stopped during the vehicle check,” he said.

Jaiswal said the person sitting next to the driver’s seat had a rifle, which he targeted at the police officials. The third person was sitting on the rear seat of car and had taken out a revolver, aiming at the police team.

“All three persons were overpowered and taken out of the car. Two more firearms and some cartridges were recovered from them. It was learnt that Dahiya is the kingpin of an extortion racket and has been involved in 14 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and Arms Act,” said Jaiswal.