ZIRAKPUR – In a shocking daylight incident that has rattled the local business community, a Zirakpur-based jeweller was kidnapped and extorted by a gang of five individuals impersonating officers from the Criminal Investigation Agency (CIA). Police have acted swiftly, arresting three of the suspects and recovering the vehicle used in the crime.
The Audacious Crime
The ordeal began on June 5 at approximately 3:50 PM, when a Scorpio vehicle pulled up outside MG Jewellers, located on the busy Chandigarh-Ambala highway.
Five men exited the vehicle, projecting an air of authority. To lend legitimacy to their ruse, the suspects were dressed in police-style attire—including a khaki turban and pants—and were accompanied by an individual they had already placed in handcuffs.
Once inside the showroom, the impostors confronted the proprietor, Gaurav Goyal, alleging that he had purchased stolen goods. Using this fabrication as a pretext for “official action,” the gang escalated the situation rapidly.
Kidnapped and Coerced
The situation turned violent when the miscreants handcuffed Mr. Goyal, seized his mobile phone and car keys, and forcibly abducted him, along with his employee, Joginder Singh.
During the journey, the accused subjected Mr. Goyal to physical assault and death threats, brandishing a knife to ensure compliance. The gang demanded a ransom of ₹10 lakh, claiming it was required to “settle the case.”
The suspects later maneuverer the victims to a location near McDonald’s in Zirakpur, where they summoned Mr. Goyal’s father to deliver the extortion money. Under extreme duress, the father and son were brought back to the MG Jewellers premises, where the gang successfully extracted ₹5 lakh in cash before fleeing the scene.
Even after receiving the payment, the criminals continued their intimidation, placing a follow-up phone call demanding 11 grams of gold to fabricate a “police recovery,” while warning the family of fatal consequences if they reported the crime.
Swift Police Intervention
Local law enforcement responded promptly to the report, launching a high-priority investigation. Their efforts led to the immediate identification and arrest of three suspects. The Scorpio vehicle used in the abduction has been seized as evidence.
“Raids are currently underway to track down the remaining two suspects,” a police official stated. “We are investigating the entire network and the history of this gang to ensure those involved face the full extent of the law.”
The incident has highlighted growing concerns regarding public safety and the need for rigorous verification protocols when individuals claiming to be law enforcement demand cooperation or inspections from local businesses.
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