Chandigarh: Since cashier’s killing, 4 bizmen get extortion calls, say police

Police in Chandigarh say four businessmen have received extortion calls following the killing of a cashier, while two accused in the case are being treated at a city hospital after an encounter with police. The cashier’s killing has raised questions about security in the area, and the police are treating the extortion calls as a potential extension of that violence. The two accused were taken into custody after an encounter, after which they required medical care.

Two men who were hospitalised after a police encounter were initially shifted from the Post‑Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research to the Government Multi‑Speciality Hospital in Sector‑16 for further treatment. The move was made to provide specialized care in a tertiary facility, and hospital officials have confirmed that both remain under observation, though no official comment has been made on their condition beyond standard updates.

In the days after the cashier’s death, four separate businessmen reported receiving demanding phone calls that threatened violence unless payments were made. The calls were received over a span of several days, and police have logged each complaint as part of an extortion attempt linked to the earlier killing. No details have been released about any arrests, but the investigation remains active and is being coordinated across multiple units.

The cashier’s death has sent ripples through the local business community, prompting concerns about safety and the motives behind the violence. The incident occurred in a busy commercial area where the victim was working, and it has drawn attention from residents and merchants alike. While the police have not disclosed details about any suspects, they have indicated that the probe is ongoing and that they are coordinating with other agencies. Local merchants have voiced concern about the safety of their premises and have requested increased police presence.

Investigators are reviewing all available evidence, including statements from witnesses and the content of the extortion calls, to determine whether the threats are connected to the homicide or represent a separate criminal activity. Phone records and call logs are being analyzed, and forensic teams are examining any physical evidence related to the cashier’s death. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward and have promised to keep the public informed as the case progresses.

Authorities have said they are treating the threats seriously and have asked anyone with information to come forward. The continued focus on both the homicide and the subsequent threats underscores the seriousness with which Chandigarh’s law enforcement is treating the matter, and the outcome of the investigation may have lasting implications for business security in the city.

Source: Hindustan Times