Barnala Police expose fake extortion plot; Complainant among those held
Babushahi Bureau
Barnala (Punjab), March 8, 2026:Barnala Police have uncovered a self-planned extortion drama after investigating a complaint by a local brick kiln owner who had alleged that he received threats demanding ₹20 lakh from individuals claiming links with a gangster group.
According to police officials, Shivam Mittal, owner of a brick kiln in Barnala, reported that on February 28, 2026, he received five WhatsApp audio messages from an international number demanding ₹20 lakh as extortion. The caller allegedly claimed association with a gangster group. On March 6, Mittal again received WhatsApp calls from another number repeating the extortion demand.
Acting on the complaint, Barnala Police carried out technical analysis of the mobile numbers and call records, which led to the identification and arrest of Kamalpreet Singh. During interrogation, Kamalpreet revealed that the calls were made at the instance of Kulwant Rai, who had impersonated a gangster during the conversation.
Based on this disclosure, Kulwant Rai was also apprehended. Further investigation revealed that the plan was orchestrated by Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, who had provided the complainant’s mobile number and helped facilitate the calls. Police said Gurpreet Singh had arranged ₹4,500 online to assist in making the calls and had instigated Kulwant Rai and Kamalpreet Singh to execute the extortion attempt.
During further inquiry, police discovered that the alleged victim Shivam Mittal himself, along with his driver Parmajit Singh alias Pamma and Amit Saini, had allegedly been part of the conspiracy and had planned the entire extortion drama.
Police have since rounded up Shivam Mittal and Parmajit Singh @ Pamma, while Amit Saini remains absconding and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
An FIR No. 100 dated March 7, 2026, under sections 217 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act, has been registered at Police Station City Barnala.
During the operation, police also recovered a .315 bore pistol, two live cartridges, and an Innova car (PB-19-S-32).
Police said further investigation into the case is ongoing.