Gang staging fake accidents to extort money active in city
A new gang extorting money by staging fake road accidents has come to light, causing concern among city residents already grappling with rising incidents of snatching and thefts.
The gang, allegedly targeting vulnerable drivers, especially the elderly and women, uses minor collisions to intimidate and extort money from their victims.
Prof Kamlesh Singh Duggal, Officer on Special Duty at GNDU College, Ladowali Road, shared his experience with Jalandhar Tribune, saying two days ago, while driving near Press Club Chowk, a man deliberately rammed into his car from behind and falsely accused him of hitting him. Recognizing the man from a previous encounter, he quickly tried to take his photo, but the miscreant fled the scene.
“I had a similar encounter with this man a few months ago near Nakodar Chowk,” Prof Duggal said. “He claimed that he was injured and demanded Rs 1,000. When I hesitated, he threatened to call his community and block the road. To avoid any trouble, I gave him Rs 250”, he added.
Prof Duggal believes this gang is actively targeting drivers who might be less likely to resist, particularly the elderly and women. He also pointed out that the gang members often use motorcycles without number plates and cover their faces, making it difficult to identify them.
He urged the police to take swift action by tracking the gang through CCTV footage before more residents fall victim to their plan. “These people are fooling innocent citizens and the police need to act before more lives are disrupted,” he said.
Several residents have reported similar incidents on social media, with many calling for police intervention, especially during the busy festive season when markets are crowded. Victims allege that drug addicts are behind these scams, using threats of police cases or blocking traffic to intimidate people into paying them off.
Rajinder Singh, another victim, recounted being targeted near Guru Nanak Mission Chowk. “They ask for Rs 1,500 or Rs 1,000 and threaten to involve the police if you don’t pay. Many people, scared of confrontation, end up paying part of the amount,” Singh explained.
While a senior police official confirmed that no formal complaints have been lodged, he said the traffic police would be instructed to keep an eye on such activities. “Residents are encouraged to report these incidents and provide detailed descriptions of the scammers to help curb this growing menace”, he added.
Modus operandi
The gang targets vulnerable drivers, especially the elderly and women, and uses minor collisions to intimidate and extort money from their victims
