In a significant development, Jalandhar Rural Police have arrested four more individuals in connection with the violent land possession dispute in Village Pipli, bringing the total number of arrests to 17. Deadly weapons were also recovered during the latest operation, further advancing the ongoing investigation into the August 3 incident.
The arrested individuals—Balwinder Singh, Baljinder Singh, Hira Singh, and Jagjit Singh, all residents of Village Pipli—are accused of forcibly occupying 15 kanals of land owned by NRIs Dara Singh and Darbara Singh, currently residing in the UK. The dispute escalated when a group of armed men attacked the occupants, vandalised property, and looted valuables, including a tractor, gold ornaments, and cash.
According to the investigation, Dara Singh had contacted his relative, Sukhjeevan Singh alias Gaggu, and Amandeep Singh alias Amna, both of whom were involved in illegal land possession activities. Dara Singh sought their help in reclaiming his land from the accused, offering to pay Rs. 3 lakh for the task. An initial payment of Rs. 2 lakh was made before the group of 100 armed men stormed the property on August 3. The remaining Rs. 1 lakh was to be paid after the land was reclaimed, but the situation quickly turned violent.
Divulging details to the press media, Senior Superintendent of Police Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh stated that the arrests were made by a special police team led by SHO Police Station Shahkot under the supervision of DSP Shahkot Onkar Singh Brar. The operation was part of an extensive effort to bring all those involved to justice.
During the attack, the armed group also assaulted the landowners, ransacked the property, and stole valuable items, including gold jewellery and a significant amount of cash. The accused also damaged household items, stole a Bullet motorcycle, and drove off in a Sonalika tractor belonging to the family.
Following the registration of a case on August 4, police teams were deployed to track down the suspects. A key figure in the crime, Amandeep Singh alias Amna, was arrested on August 31, leading to further breakthroughs.
The latest individuals arrested include Jaskamal Singh alias Sonu from Talwan, Brij Chetan alias Cheitan from Noormahal, Brij Megan alias Megan from Noormahal, and Manish from Mehtpur.
The accused will be presented in court, and police remand will be sought to advance the investigation. Efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.
SSP Khakh emphasised that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in illegal land occupations and that such activities will not be tolerated in the district.