7 highway robbers held in Punjab

PATIALA - Punjab Police Monday claimed to have busted a gang of highway robbers with the arrest of seven men here.

Pistols, sharp edged weapons and various parts of trucks like tyres and alloyed wheels worth Rs.38 lakh were also recovered from their possession Sunday night. The gang particularly targeted trucks and heavy vehicles on highways during night, police said.

“The gang was active in this region for many years. It used to operate during late night. We got a tip-off that they were planning a major robbery on the highway so we formed a special team and laid a trap,” district police chief Ranbir Singh Khatra said.

“We arrested seven people while 11 others managed to escape, taking advantage of the darkness. However, police teams are raiding different places to nab them. We have also sent special teams to other towns of the state to search for them.”

Police officers said the same gang was involved in robbing some shops during the past few months.

“We are hopeful that we will solve at least 35 pending cases with these arrests. Their interrogation is on,” said a senior officer of Patiala police.

Patiala town is around 70 km from state capital Chandigarh.