A shocking case of alleged highway extortion surfaced in Gwalior after armed men intercepted a goods container on the Agra-Mumbai National Highway (AB Road) and opened fire when the driver refused to pay protection money. The attackers allegedly punctured all 12 tyres of the container by firing multiple rounds before fleeing the spot.

Police have registered a case against one identified accused and two unidentified accomplices, and launched a search operation.

Container Intercepted on National Highway

The incident occurred around 6:30 pm on Sunday near Singhaigarh village under Ghatigaon police station limits.

According to police, Ghanshyam Gurjar (24), a resident of Nazirabad in Bhopal, was transporting grocery goods from Delhi to Bhopal in a container truck (RJ11 GB 8882) along with helper Chetaram Tomar.

As the vehicle reached the stretch near Sirsa on AB Road, a white Bolero SUV without a registration number allegedly overtook the container and blocked its path.

Gunpoint Extortion Bid

The complainant alleged that three armed men carrying rifles stepped out of the Bolero and demanded money from the driver, claiming it was "highway tax" for operating vehicles on the route.

When Ghanshyam refused to pay, the accused allegedly threatened him, saying that anyone driving on the highway would have to pay extortion.

The attackers then allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at the truck, targeting its tyres. Police said all 12 tyres were damaged in the firing, immobilising the vehicle.

Police Patrol Interrupts Attack

According to the complaint, the assailants fled after noticing a police patrolling vehicle approaching the area.

Before escaping, they allegedly threatened the driver and helper with dire consequences if they continued to operate vehicles on the route without paying the demanded amount.

The victims immediately contacted Dial-112, following which Ghatigaon police reached the spot and inspected the crime scene.

One Accused Identified

Police said one of the accused has been identified as Kalli Gurjar, a resident of Varwasin village in Devgarh police station area of Morena district.

Local residents reportedly told investigators that the accused and his associates had been involved in creating fear among transporters on the highway for some time.

Authorities are working to identify the remaining two accused.

Case Registered, Raids Underway

Based on the driver's complaint, Ghatigaon Police have registered a case against the accused under sections related to:

• Extortion

• Attempt to murder

• Criminal intimidation

• Mischief causing damage

• Arms Act provisions

Police teams have been dispatched to Morena and other suspected hideouts to arrest the accused.

Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas and highway surveillance cameras to trace the movement of the Bolero used in the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.