Who Were the Four Arrested in Jharkhand’s Palamu for Highway Levy Collection?
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Synopsis
Four gang members were arrested in Jharkhand's Palamu for extorting money from highway users. The police operation also unearthed a significant cache of firearms and led to key insights about the gang's operations, intensifying the chase for other fugitives in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Four members of the Rahul Singh gang arrested.
- Seizure of firearms and stolen vehicles.
- Gang known for extorting money on highways.
- Ongoing investigation to find additional operatives.
- Community urged to report suspicious activities.
Palamu (Jharkhand), Aug 19 (NationPress) Law enforcement in Jharkhand's Palamu district has apprehended four active members of the infamous Rahul Singh gang, known for terrorizing construction firms and travelers by unlawfully collecting levies on highways and targeting both road and rail projects, as reported by officials.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar Singh disclosed that the arrests were made following a tip-off regarding the gang’s intention to execute a significant attack using firearms.
In a rapid response, SP Singh formed a specialized team led by SDPO Manibhushan Prasad. This team conducted a raid in the Akadrahi Aahar area close to Pokhraha village, capturing the suspects after a brief pursuit.
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Sahajad Alam, 30, Sahil Kumar, 23, Rohit Kumar, 24, and Farhan Qureshi alias Shailu Qureshi, 24.
Authorities recovered a significant arsenal and tools utilized in their extortion activities, including one country-made pistol, an imported Australian-made pistol, 50 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, four mobile phones, two stolen motorcycles (Hero Splendor Plus and Bajaj Pulsar), and Rs 22,000 in extortion money.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted their affiliation with the Rahul Singh gang and acknowledged their participation in numerous incidents of coercion and levy collection.
They also disclosed their involvement in the July 4 Singra flyover shooting, which resulted in injuries to a laborer. According to police, the assault was executed by Sahajad Alam and Sahil Kumar under direct orders from gang leader Rahul Singh.
The SSP stated that the questioning has provided “critical leads” concerning the gang’s financial operations and the identities of other fugitive members, some of whom are believed to be operating in adjacent districts.
The search efforts have been amplified to apprehend them.
The raid was executed by a collaborative team that included the city zone inspector, station house officers from Sadar and Chainpur police stations, and the Tiger Mobile squad.
Palamu police have urged local residents to promptly report any suspicious behavior to their nearest police station or the district control room.
Point of View
I view this incident as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime in our society. The swift action by Jharkhand police highlights the importance of community vigilance and the efficacy of law enforcement in addressing such threats. We must remain united in our efforts to support justice and safety in our communities.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What gang was involved in the highway levy collection?
The notorious Rahul Singh gang was involved in the highway levy collection in Jharkhand's Palamu.
How many members of the gang were arrested?
Four active members of the Rahul Singh gang were arrested by the police.
What weapons were seized during the arrest?
The police seized a country-made pistol, an imported Australian-made pistol, 50 rounds of 9 mm cartridges, and other items used in their extortion racket.
What was the gang's method of operation?
The gang terrorized construction companies and commuters by collecting illegal levies on highways and targeting road and rail projects.
Is the police investigation ongoing?
Yes, the police are intensifying their efforts to track down other absconding operatives linked to the gang.
