MBA graduate arrested for harbouring gangster Dilpreet

The 30-year-old used to collect protection money from traders in Baddi on behalf of the gangster.

Continuing with the crackdown on arrested gangster Dilpreet Singh Dhahan’s aides, the Punjab state special operation cell (SSOC) on Saturday arrested an MBA graduate from Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh for harbouring him.

Vipin Thakur hails from Solan and had been working for Dilpreet for the past 18 months. (HT Photo)

Vipin Thakur, 30, who has reportedly completed MBA works as a property dealer. He hails from Solan and had been working for Dilpreet for the past 18 months, said police. “Vipin used to identify small property dealers as well as scrap dealers operating in Baddi, from whom Dilpreet used to demand protection money,” said Varinder Paul Singh, assistant inspector general (AIG), SSOC.

Dilpreet had got in touch with Vipin though one Gaggu, who was lodged in the Ropar jail. Vipin not only used to provide Dilpreet shelter but also used to collect protection money on his behalf. During his preliminary questioning, Vipin allegedly told police that he had collected Rs 6.5 lakhs as protection money and given it to Dilpreet so far.

According to sources, Vipin was rounded up by a team of Mohali police after the attack on Punjabi singer Parmish Verma in April, but was later let off. The development took place around the time Dilpreet’s another aide, Harvinder Singh was arrested from Baddi.

Another aide held in Nangal

Meanwhile, Arun Kumar, alias Sunny, of Nangal was arrested from his village for harbouring Dilpreet and arranged Wi-Fi dongles for him in the name of labourers working with him in a construction company. Arun is working as a grader machine operator with a private company that constructs roads in Haryana’s Yamunanagar.

Dilpreet, according to sources, used to communicate with his aides through WhatsApp and always carried Wi-Fi dongles.