Mastermind Of 2016 Nabha Jailbreak In Punjab Back In Custody

Ramanjit Singh, also known as Romy, the mastermind behind the 2016 Nabha jailbreak, has been sent to 14-day judicial custody. He was placed in the same high-security jail from which he masterminded the attack. In the jailbreak, armed men had freed six wanted criminals, including two terrorists.

Romy was extradited from Hong Kong on Thursday. The operation was coordinated by the CBI and Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF). Early Friday, he appeared in the Nabha court and was sent to judicial custody for 14 days. Additionally, he was taken to the Civil Hospital in Nabha for medical examination.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed that after persistent efforts, Romy was brought back to India to face trial. Romy had connections with the ISI and other escaped prisoners, including Harminder Singh Mintu and Kashmir Singh Galwaddi of the Khalistan Liberation Force.

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The DGP explained that the police’s efforts led to the issuance of a Look Out Circular and a Red Corner Notice against Romy. The extradition process began in 2018 under a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the Hong Kong government. The case was strongly presented to Hong Kong’s Department of Justice and courts, resulting in Romy’s extradition.

Romy was arrested in Hong Kong for a Rs 30-crore robbery in February 2018. According to the police, he was the key figure between the terrorists and gangsters. He provided money, weapons, and logistical support for the jailbreak. On November 27, 2016, gangsters in police uniforms attacked security guards in Nabha jail, freeing four gangsters and two terrorists.

Following the jailbreak, Khalistani terrorist Harminder Singh Mintoo was arrested within 24 hours. The main accused, gangster Vicky Gounder, was killed in a police encounter. Romy, a key member of the Shera Khuban/Vicky Gounder gang, facilitated the jailbreak with financial aid, weapons, fake IDs, and safe houses.

DGP Yadav noted that 26 accused in the jailbreak were arrested and charged. Romy had been declared a proclaimed offender. He praised the AGTF team, led by ADGP Pramod Ban, for their successful international operation, showcasing the resolve and competence of the Punjab Police.