Tricity
Panchkula: Two Students with Gang Links Arrested for Jewellery Store Staffer’s Abduction, Robbery
Two students with gang ties were arrested in Panchkula for abducting and robbing a jewellery store employee, who was seized near a temple after refuelling his scooter.
Police in Panchkula have taken into custody two young men, both identified as having ties to local gangs, for the abduction and robbery of a jewellery store employee. The victim, Manjinder Singh, a 34‑year‑old resident of Pinjore, was seized while returning home after refuelling his scooter at the HMT petrol pump around 5:45 pm on Monday. A black Scorpio halted a short distance from a nearby temple, where the occupants first asked for directions before pulling the victim into the vehicle at knifepoint.
The incident unfolded on a quiet stretch of road in the sector surrounding the temple, a location that sees moderate foot traffic during the evening hours. Witnesses reported that the assailants, who appeared to be in their early twenties, approached Singh with a threatening demeanor, brandishing a knife and demanding compliance. Within moments, the victim was forced into the back seat of the SUV and driven away.
Police responded promptly to the reported kidnapping. Officers from the Panchkula police station began an investigation.
The two arrested suspects are students and have links to a local gang. They were taken into custody.
Authorities have not released details regarding the motive behind the abduction, but they indicated that the robbery was likely planned. The incident has raised concerns among local business owners about safety in the area.
In a statement, the Panchkula police chief emphasized that the swift arrest demonstrates the department’s commitment to curbing crime linked to organized groups. The investigation will continue.
The case is expected to proceed through the standard judicial process, with the accused facing charges related to kidnapping and robbery. If convicted, they could face significant prison terms under the Indian Penal Code. The police said they will coordinate with the store’s management to improve security.
Panchkula, a rapidly expanding town in the Chandigarh region, has experienced a mix of residential growth and commercial activity in recent years. While the area enjoys modern amenities, occasional incidents involving organized crime have prompted heightened vigilance from law‑enforcement agencies. The recent abduction and robbery have added to the community’s focus on public safety.
Manjinder Singh, a staff member at a jewellery store, was returning home after refuelling his scooter at the HMT petrol pump when a black Scorpio stopped near a temple. The occupants approached him, asked for directions, and then forced him into the vehicle at knifepoint.
Police have confirmed that the two suspects, both students, remain in custody while the investigation proceeds. The case will be processed through the judicial system.
Residents have expressed hope that the arrest will bring reassurance to the community. While the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the vicinity, officials noted that increased patrols and surveillance are already being considered as part of a broader strategy to enhance public safety in the sector.
Overall, the arrest of the two gang‑linked students marks a decisive step in addressing violent crimes that affect both individuals and local enterprises. The police continue to investigate, and any further developments will be communicated through official channels.
Local business owners have expressed a desire for increased security measures, and municipal officials have pledged to review patrol schedules and consider additional surveillance installations in areas with higher foot traffic.
The police chief said the department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will coordinate with other agencies to ensure swift justice.
Source: Hindustan Times
