PATIALA: The Patiala police on Monday successfully apprehended the primary suspect in the recent Thar jeep robbery case after a brief encounter in which the accused sustained injuries. The incident unfolded on November 21 when the vehicle belonging to Chirag Chabra, a resident of Nabha, was unlawfully seized by unknown individuals under the pretext of a test drive.Promptly, a case was registered at the Kotwali Police Station in Nabha.
According to the police, the apprehended individual, identified as Sarover Singh alias Lovely, hails from Nabha and had recently been released from incarceration. During his time in prison, he allegedly established connections with hardened criminals, which may have influenced his subsequent involvement in criminal activities.
The arrest on Monday occurred at the Patiala-Sangrur bypass, where Sarover Singh resisted apprehension by firing three rounds at the police team. In response, the officers retaliated with five rounds, resulting in Sarover Singh sustaining injuries. He was swiftly transported to the government Rajindra hospital for medical treatment.
The police have recovered a .32 bore pistol, three cartridges, and the stolen Thar Jeep from Sarover Singh’s possession. Charges have been filed against him under sections 109, 132, 221 of the BNS, 25 Sub Section (6) & (7) of the Arms Act at the Passiana Police Station of Patiala.
Authorities have revealed that Sarover Singh has a substantial criminal history, with three cases registered against him in Sangrur, two in Khanna, and one in Nabha. These cases involve offenses such as dacoity, snatching, and violations of the Excise Act.
While the primary suspect has been apprehended, the police have stated that efforts are underway to locate and arrest the remaining accomplices involved in the Thar jeep loot case.