Punjab: Recurring criminal incidents have become a major source of distress for the residents, industrialists, and workers of Bal Kalan. Fed up with the persistent spate of crimes, local industrialists have collectively hired a private security agency. This agency provides 24×7 security coverage, which includes night patrols. On January 1st, a group of armed assailants opened fire in the village, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old youth and injuries to his brother. This village is no stranger to such grave incidents. The shooting incident sparked panic across the area; the police have registered a case and launched a search operation to apprehend the accused. In a separate incident, Santajbir Singh—a farmer and dairy businessman—alleged that he received an extortion call from an international phone number. The caller identified himself as a gangster. He stated that the caller demanded a sum of ₹1 crore. Following this, the Amritsar (Rural) Police initiated an investigation into the matter.
Sandeep Khosla, President of the Bal Kalan Industrial Welfare Association, stated that the entrepreneurs collectively engaged the services of a private security agency. The agency has deployed four security personnel, who are joined by a police officer to patrol the area during the night. The security team is equipped with a jeep and a motorcycle for their patrol duties. During their rounds, they record video footage of each industrial unit and send it to the respective owners’ mobile phones. The security company has also installed line-monitoring CCTV cameras that upload footage directly to their headquarters located in Kaithal. The business community reports that since they hired the private security agency and regular patrols commenced, there has been a marked decline in theft incidents within their industrial units. Prior to this initiative, petty criminal acts—such as the theft of metal tools, air-conditioner wiring, and other minor items from factories—were a common occurrence in the village. The workers stated that they constantly lived in fear of robbery, particularly at night and in the days immediately following payday.
