Sunny Khurma
Cheif Editor
Jalandhar, October 3, 2026: Police Station Division No. 1 has arrested a man in connection with an August snatching case in which a beauty parlour owner was allegedly targeted by a group posing as spiritual figures on Gulab Devi Road.
The arrested accused has been identified as Vishal alias Pala, a resident of Santokhpura, Jalandhar. Police are questioning him about the incident and have reportedly identified the other people suspected of being involved.
The case dates back to August 8, when Anuradha Saini, a resident of Windsor Park on Gulab Devi Road, had gone out with a friend to buy vegetables.
According to the complaint, a car stopped close to the women and one of its occupants allegedly told them that a spiritual figure sitting inside could bless them.
Anuradha was persuaded to approach the vehicle. Police allege that the man posing as a baba handed her a ₹500 note as part of the deception and, while pretending to bless her, suddenly snatched the gold earrings she was wearing.
When Anuradha resisted, the suspects allegedly drove away. During the commotion, she was reportedly pulled along for a short distance before the vehicle escaped.
The incident was reported to Police Station Division No. 1, following which investigators began tracing the vehicle and the people allegedly involved.
Police had recovered the car suspected to have been used in the crime within around 48 hours of the incident, but the suspects remained untraced at that stage.
During the subsequent investigation, police identified Vishal alias Pala as one of the suspected members of the group.
He had allegedly been evading arrest before police received information regarding his whereabouts and took him into custody.
Police obtained his remand for questioning. Investigators say information gathered during interrogation has helped them identify the other suspects allegedly involved in the incident.
Raids are now being conducted to trace and arrest the remaining accused.
Investigators are also examining whether the group may have been involved in other incidents using a similar method, although no additional case should be considered linked unless established through the investigation.
Police are expected to continue questioning the arrested accused and examine the evidence collected in the case before completing further legal proceedings.
The allegations against Vishal and the other identified suspects remain subject to investigation and will ultimately be determined through the judicial process.
For permission to reuse our original reporting or images, contact The Jalandhar Times.
