Over 150 phones, cash stolen at Rajvir Jawanda’s funeral in Pona; artists allege organised pickpocket gang
Babushahi Bureau
Jagraon, October 12, 2025:
More than 150 mobile phones and cash worth several lakhs were allegedly stolen during the last rites of Punjabi singer Rajvir Jawanda at his native Pona village on 9 October, even as heightened security was deployed for Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s brief visit, attendees said.
Singer Gagan Kokri alleged that a coordinated group of pickpockets targeted the huge crowd, claiming his own phone was stolen and that phones belonging to artistes Jasbir Jassi and Pinky Dhaliwal were also snatched, alongside losses reported by multiple musicians and attendees.
Kokri said the thefts, allegedly carried out by a 20–25 member gang, left many mourners stranded without navigation or contacts after the ceremony, calling the incident “deeply shameful” given the setting and urging anyone with information to come forward.
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