Gangster Ecosystem In Punjab Must Be Dealt With Iron Hand: Punjab & Haryana High Court Denies Bail In Extortion Case

Observing that gagsters in Punjab must be dealt with an iron hand and they do not deserve any lenient treatment from Court, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has refused to grant bail to an alleged gang member in an extortion case.

Justice Harpreet Singh Brar said, "This Court cannot shut its eyes to immediate societal concerns. The ecosystem of gangsters mushrooming in the State of Punjab must be dealt with an iron hand and these elements do not deserve any lenient treatment from the Court as only then, can the citizens live a fulfilling life and contribute to the growth of the nation."

The Court further added that it is the primary duty of the State to ensure security of all its citizens and create an atmosphere free of violence and instability, so they do not live in a constant state of fear and harm. 

These observations came in response to a regular bail plea filed by alleged gang member who was booked under Sections 387, 389, 506, 509 and 120-B of IPC.

It was contended by the petitioner that he has been falsely implicated in the case on the basis of disclosure statement of co-accused Jaskaranjit Singh @ Sodhi, whose statement was recorded in April and even in his statement, evidence with regard to complicity of the petitioner is very sketchy and it does not spell out anything with regard to the fact that the petitioner has taken active participation in demanding the ransom amount.

On the other hand the state counsel submitted that ransom money along with 3.15 bore pistol and one live cartridge, were recovered from the petitioner and his co-accused.

It was further submitted that the petitioner is a member of notorious gang of co-accused Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and the complainant is yet to be examined during the course of trial and in case the petitioner is released on bail, he is likely to intimidate and influence the witnesses, specially the complainant.

After hearing the submissions, the Court observed that "the infestation of gang culture in Punjab is actively promoting disharmony by inflicting violence and enabling drug abuse. It is imperative that law enforcement is strengthened and this disruptive culture eroding the social fabric is dealt with sternly."

Considering the "gravity of offence" allegedly committed by the petitioner, the Court refused to grant the concession of bail. 

Consequently, the petition was dismissed.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (PH) 31

Title: GURPREET SINGH @ GOPI v. STATE OF PUNJAB

Click here to read/download the order