Medalist wrestler held for murder

An international wrestler was arrested on charges of murder and extortion from Vasant Kunj in south Delhi on Wednesday, reports HT Correspondent.

An international wrestler was arrested on charges of murder and extortion from Vasant Kunj in south Delhi on Wednesday.

HT Image

Ranbir Singh (34), who bagged a job as a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) on the basis of his performance in sports, has represented India at several international competitions. He even won a gold medal at the 1996 Asian Wrestling Championship held in China, police said.

Police said Singh, a resident of Sonepat in Haryana, was planning to extort money from a businessman in Vasant Kunj.

“We found an Italian-make pistol and two cartridges on him,” said HGS Dhaliwal, DCP (south).

Police said Singh was absconding since April this year. “Singh had murdered a village head in April this year and Haryana Police were looking for him since then,” said Dhaliwal. “The state government had declared a reward of Rs 20,000 on him.”

Police said Singh was first arrested in 1996 in Haryana under the Arms Act and has been involved in at least five more criminal cases, including attempt to murder and illegal possession of property.

“He was trying to set up a base in Delhi and was planning to extort money from a businessman when we arrested him,” said Dhaliwal.

Police said Singh represented the country at events held in Russia, Iran and China.

He won the gold in 1996 in the 63 kg category.

Singh, posted as a TTE in Ambala division of Punjab, was suspended from work after his involvement in Sonepat murder was established.