Daijiworld Media Network – Bathinda

Bathinda, Jun 22: In a bizarre case of deception, a retired army havildar was arrested on Saturday for staging a fake robbery to conceal massive financial losses incurred due to online gambling. The accused, identified as Avtar Singh of Kotli Khurd village, had retired from the army just weeks ago on April 30.

According to Bathinda DSP (Rural) Harjit Singh, Avtar had reportedly lost nearly Rs 1.50 cr in online gambling since 2021. Facing mounting pressure from family members over his deteriorating finances, the ex-serviceman allegedly concocted a robbery drama involving gun-wielding assailants and sedatives.

“Avtar claimed that three unidentified persons robbed him of Rs 15 lac near Gehri Bara Singha village after he withdrew the amount from a bank in Bathinda,” said the DSP. “He alleged that a man and woman he had offered a lift to were part of the plot and that all three later drugged and looted him.”

However, inconsistencies quickly emerged during the investigation. Police found that Avtar had not visited any bank on the claimed date and his account held only Rs 3.10. His mobile location data further disproved his version, placing him nowhere near Bathinda. Moreover, doctors found no evidence of sedatives in his system.

“After being confronted with the evidence, Avtar confessed to having faked the entire story to cover up his gambling losses,” DSP Harjit Singh added.

Police have registered a case against Avtar Singh under Section 217 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for providing false information. The case is being investigated at Kotfatta police station.