AMBALA: Ambala Police have busted a highway robbery gang allegedly involved in looting a scrap-laden truck, abducting its driver and abandoning him after holding him captive. Five key accused have been arrested, while police have recovered the stolen truck and the SUV allegedly used in the crime.The arrested accused have been identified as Vikram alias Vicky, Gurjot alias Billa, Bhagat, Akashdeep alias Polu — all residents of Shambhu in Patiala district — and Sandeep Kumar alias Bachi, a resident of Tepala village.Addressing a press conference, Ambala DSP (Crime) Virender Singh said the operation reflected the police department’s swift and professional response in tackling organised highway crime.According to police, the case came to light after Akram Rana, a resident of Thana Bhawan village in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district, filed a complaint at Ambala Sadar Police Station on June 12, 2026.As per the complaint, on June 10, 2026, a group of unidentified men travelling in an SUV intercepted him near Devi Nagar. The assailants allegedly overpowered him, tied his hands, legs and mouth, and later dumped him in bushes in Punjab before fleeing with his scrap-loaded truck.Following the complaint, a case was registered and the investigation was handed over to CIA-I.Considering the seriousness of the case, a police team led by CIA-I in-charge Inspector Harjinder Singh, along with ASI Sukhbir Singh, Dalbir Singh and other officials, launched an intensive investigation.Using technical surveillance, cyber-cell assistance and intelligence gathered through informers, the CIA-I team tracked down and arrested five accused allegedly linked to the robbery.Police also recovered the looted scrap-laden truck and the Mahindra SUV allegedly used during the crime.DSP Virender Singh said the arrested accused are habitual offenders and have previously been involved in multiple criminal cases in Punjab, including theft and Excise Act violations.After their arrest, the accused were placed on three days’ police remand for further investigation into their links and the involvement of other suspects. After completion of the remand period, they were produced before the court and sent to judicial custody.Police said the identities of other individuals involved in the case have also been established and efforts are underway to arrest them.“Ambala Police has adopted a strict approach against criminals and highway robbers. Public safety remains our highest priority and no offender will be spared,” DSP Virender Singh said.
