Crime News

Panchkula, Haryana: In a major cybercrime bust, four people have been arrested for allegedly cheating a resident of Panchkula out of ₹16.3 lakh, police said, as authorities step up efforts to crack down on online fraud. According to the Panchkula Cyber Crime Police, the suspects were identified following a complaint by a local resident who reported that unknown fraudsters had duped him of a substantial amount through online deception schemes. Investigators traced digital trails and communication links that ultimately led to the arrest of the accused, who are now being questioned as the probe continues. The arrests highlight the increasing prevalence of cyber fraud in the region, with criminals using sophisticated tactics—often posing as legitimate businesses or contacts online—to deceive victims into transferring money under false pretences. This development follows earlier action in the same case, when two additional suspects, including a woman, were detained in connection with the ₹16.3 lakh fraud. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and cybercrime legislation. Authorities have assured residents that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone who may have been contacted by the accused or has additional information to come forward. They also advised citizens to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar online profiles, unsolicited messages and requests for money or personal financial details.

Panchkula, Haryana: A 30-year-old man was shot dead late Sunday night in a road rage incident in the Dhakoli area of Panchkula, police said, as tensions boiled over between two drivers during a dispute that reportedly began over “staring” at each other on the road. According to the Dhakoli police, the victim, identified as Prince, ran a mobile phone shop in Sector 26 and was related to a man who was also injured in the incident. The confrontation began around 11:45 pm when Bharat Bhushan (42) was driving his Toyota Fortuner home from Sector 28 and was stopped abruptly by another car near Balaji Tower that overtook and blocked him. Bhushan got out of his vehicle to inquire about the situation, and what began as a misunderstanding escalated quickly. Police said the other driver, Kuldeep, reacted angrily, slapped Bhushan and then fired a shot near his leg with a licensed pistol — narrowly missing the injury at first. When the commotion attracted attention, Kuldeep fled the scene. Prince, Bhushan’s relative, joined him and others in trying to locate Kuldeep nearby. When the accused spotted them approaching, the police said he opened fire again in a vacant plot, injuring both Prince and Bhushan. Prince was declared brought dead at a private hospital in Panchkula, while Bhushan sustained injuries and is reported to be in stable condition. The Dhakoli police registered a case against Kuldeep under charges including murder and attempt to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and various offences under the Arms Act. An intensive manhunt led to Kuldeep’s arrest by Mohali police within six hours of the crime, with the licensed **.32-bore revolver and empty cartridges recovered from his possession. Police officials say they are also initiating proceedings to cancel his firearm licence as part of the investigation. Senior police officers in Panchkula said the quick arrest was due to coordinated efforts between multiple teams, checkpoint deployments and technical surveillance, and assured that strict legal action will be taken.

Panchkula, Haryana / Chandigarh: Police teams have arrested three suspected drug peddlers in coordinated anti-narcotics operations in the Tricity area, including a significant seizure in Panchkula, marking a continued effort by law enforcement to curb the distribution of illegal drugs. In Chandigarh, officers from the Sector 31 police station arrested two young men during a routine patrol near the Sector 31 petrol pump on February 18. The suspects, identified as Vivek alias Vainky (22) and Vipanshu alias Ballu (19) — both residents of Ramdarbar — attempted to evade police before being stopped and searched. Authorities recovered a total of 15 grams of heroin from their possession, with 10 g found on Vivek and 5 g on Vipanshu. Neither could produce a licence or permit for the contraband, leading to their arrest under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. In a separate case in Panchkula, the Crime Branch team of the Sector 19 police arrested a man during a special anti-narcotics operation in the Sector 20 fruit market area on the evening of February 14. Acting on a tip-off that a drug deal was underway near the cremation ground, officers raided the location and seized 27.13 grams of heroin from the suspect, identified as Shiv Kumar alias Kunglu. A case under the NDPS Act has been registered at the Sector 20 police station, and the accused was remanded to judicial custody for further proceedings. Both operations highlight the ongoing efforts by Chandigarh and Panchkula police to disrupt drug distribution networks in the region. Officials said further investigations are underway to trace the sources of the narcotics and identify any broader supply chains linked to the arrested individuals. Local residents and community groups have welcomed the crackdown, saying frequent police action is needed to tackle the drug menace affecting urban and suburban areas alike. With law-and-order agencies stepping up patrols and intelligence-led raids, authorities hope to strengthen deterrence and ensure safer neighbourhoods across Panchkula and Chandigarh.