Punjab: Patiala police on Sunday arrested Baljinder Singh, the sarpanch of Maheru village. An FIR was filed against him and five others two days ago. They are accused of collecting goonda tax (Rs 100 to Rs 1000) from motorists by setting up an illegal toll plaza on the village road. In a video that went viral, the accused are seen collecting money from a vehicle owner passing through the village. Police have confirmed that Baljinder Singh has been arrested. He will be produced in court and will then be questioned about the total amount collected from him.
Since the traffic at Shambhu border is closed due to the farmers’ agitation since February 13, 2024, travellers often take alternate routes through nearby villages to reach their destinations. One such route passes through Maheru village, where some people started collecting goonda tax from travellers. Recently, a video showing that illegal activity went viral, following which the police took action. A case has been registered against sarpanch Baljinder Singh, Harvinder Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and three unidentified persons under Section 308 (2) of the BNS. In the video, a man can be clearly heard saying that the panchayat has decided to set up a “toll plaza”. Patiala SSP Nanak Singh said, “If anyone is found involved in illegal activity, strict action will be taken against them.”
