4 more nabbed for Pipli land assault

The police have arrested four more individuals in connection with the land possession dispute in village Pipli, bringing the total number of arrests to 18.

Deadly weapons were also recovered during the latest operation. A brutal attack on the family of ex-serviceman Balwinder Singh in Pipli had taken place on August 3 and the police had arrested 10 persons on August 29.

The investigation had revealed that the attack was allegedly orchestrated by two NRI brothers, Dara Singh and Darbara Singh, both belonged to Talwandi Butian and residing in England. The brothers hired local gangster Amandeep Singh Amna to carry out the attack with the motive of forcibly occupying land, which, they claimed, they had bought. The dispute escalated when a group of armed men attacked the occupants, vandalised property and looted valuables, including a tractor, gold ornaments and cash.

The latest individuals arrested are Jaskamal Singh, alias Sonu, from Talwan, Brij Chetan, alias Chetan, from Noormahal, Brij Megan, alias Megan, from Noormahal, and Manish from Mehatpur.

SSP Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said the arrests were made by a special police team. He said the police were on the lookout for over 30 more accused in the case.

The police said Dara Singh had contacted his relative, Sukhjeevan Singh, alias Gaggu, and gangster Amna. Dara Singh sought their help in reclaiming the land from Balwinder, offering to pay Rs 3 lakh for the task. An initial payment of Rs 2 lakh was made. The remaining Rs 1 lakh was to be paid after the land was reclaimed, but the situation quickly turned violent.

The accused will be presented in a court.