Naresh Kumar/ Sangrur/Barnala
In a shocking incident, a brick kiln owner from Barnala was arrested after allegedly staging a false firing attack on himself in an attempt to gain police protection and publicity. The police have also taken four of his associates into custody for spreading false rumors and misleading the authorities.
The accused had fabricated a script about receiving extortion calls demanding ₹20 lakh. The plan was part of a carefully orchestrated conspiracy to create fear and pressure the authorities into providing him with security cover.
The incident came to light on March 6, 2026, when Barnala police received information that a gang was demanding ₹20 lakh from brick kiln owner Shivam Mittal through phone calls. Taking the matter seriously, the police initiated an investigation using technical surveillance and intelligence sources.
(SUBHEAD)During the probe, investigators discovered that the extortion calls were not genuine but part of a pre-planned conspiracy. The accused had allegedly arranged for associates to make fake calls to him demanding money.
Planned Firing to Create Panic
Police revealed that on Saturday the accused and his associates planned to carry out a firing incident near a link road on the Barnala–Thikriwala road towards Sanghera village. The group allegedly traveled in an Innova vehicle (PB-19-S-3232) and executed the plan by opening fire near the brick kiln to create the impression that Mittal was under threat. The objective was reportedly to generate panic and convince authorities that he required immediate police protection.
Arrests and Weapon Recovery
Addressing the media, Barnala SSP Muhammad Sarfaraz Ahmed said that the police successfully uncovered the conspiracy and detained five individuals involved in the plot. During the search, the police recovered a .315 bore pistol and two live cartridges from the accused.
The accused identified as Shivam Mittal alias Navi – Brick kiln owner, resident of Barnala, Paramjit Singh alias Pamma – Driver of Shivam Mittal, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi – Associate working for Mittal
Kulwant Rai alias Vicky Pandit – Resident of Bhai Rupa, Kamalpreet Singh alias Babbu – Resident of Bhai Rupa. Police said that Paramjit Singh and Gurpreet Singh worked closely with Mittal and were part of the conspiracy. Gurpreet allegedly contacted his acquaintances Kulwant Rai and Kamalpreet Singh and asked them to make fake extortion calls demanding ₹20 lakh from Mittal.
SSP Sarfaraz Ahmed,said, all the accused acted on the instructions of Shivam Mittal. They allegedly fired shots at the brick kiln to create an atmosphere of fear and strengthen the false claim that Mittal was under threat from criminals.
Police officials stated that interrogation of the accused is ongoing, and further revelations are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities have also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to mislead law enforcement agencies by spreading false information or staging criminal incidents.
