Patiala: Patiala police have busted an alleged recruitment touting network targeting Agniveer aspirants at recruitment rallies in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, arresting or detaining three people in separate operations, officials said.The racket came to light following military intelligence inputs about suspected touts operating during the Agniveer recruitment rally at Raja Bhalinder Singh Sports Stadium (Polo Ground) in Patiala on Aug 3.Police said Sanjeev Kumar, a Karnal resident, was spotted near the recruitment ground after 8 pm on Aug 3 allegedly distributing visiting cards to candidates, particularly those temporarily rejected in medical tests, and promising to help clear their medical status on re-examination.During inquiry, Kumar allegedly claimed to be associated with a Defence Academy in Ambala. However, the academy owner denied any link with him, police said.Suspecting that the accused could be part of a larger interstate network, police and intelligence agencies probed the involvement of other persons and institutes.The investigation led agencies to Dharamshala, where another Agniveer recruitment rally was underway. Acting on intelligence inputs about touting, Dharamshala police, along with Patiala police, detained two suspected operatives outside the venue on Aug 7.Dharamshala police station inspector Narayan Singh said one suspect — 27-year-old Raman from a village in Haryana’s Karnal, was handed over to Patiala police, while the other was released due to lack of a valid ground or complaint.Raman was then taken into police custody.Patiala Civil Lines SHO Winnerpreet Singh said three accused had been apprehended in connection with the investigation. “Two accused, Sanjeev Kumar and Vishal Kumar, were arrested from Patiala, while Raman was taken into custody from Dharamshala,” he said.The court had remanded the accused to four-day police custody. “Further investigation into the matter is underway,” the SHO said.The developments have prompted authorities to intensify surveillance around Agniveer recruitment venues. Army officials overseeing the recruitment process cautioned candidates against falling prey to touts or agents promising guaranteed selection, medical clearance or other favours.
