Case registered for demanding crores in ransom by misusing names of ED and Home Minister

Sri Muktsar Sahib (The Uttam Hindu): The Muktsar police have registered a case against two persons for allegedly blackmailing the owner of a nationally known Setia Paper Mill and demanding crores of rupees in ransom by misusing the names of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The case was registered after a long investigation.

The accused have been identified as Harmandar Singh, son of Bali Singh, resident of Tarn Taran Nagar, Gali No. 02, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Jyoti Satwant Sharma, son of Jaswinder Kumar, a resident of Ludhiana.

According to information, a case had already been registered against Harmandar Singh on May 27, 2025, on the complaint of paper mill owner Ajay Setia and his son Chirag Setia. In that case, he was accused of stealing company data and blackmailing the family. The matter is currently pending in the High Court, where the accused is out on bail.

Police investigations revealed that Harmandar Singh, along with Satwant Sharma, again started blackmailing the Setia family. They allegedly claimed that notices from the ED and other departments were about to be issued against the company. The accused demanded a settlement amount, stating that the Setia family could avoid departmental action if they paid money.

As per the investigation, a demand of ₹50 crore per department was made as part of the so-called settlement.

Harmandar Singh also allegedly claimed that he had direct contacts with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders. To support his threats, fake registered summons in the name of the ED were sent to the Setia family. However, when company officials contacted the ED office in New Delhi, it was confirmed that the summons were forged. Following this, the ED also initiated its own action.

On the complaint filed by Dr Ajay Setia, the police conducted a detailed probe and, after consulting the public prosecutor, registered a case against both Harmandar Singh and Satwant Sharma. Police officials stated that significant developments are expected in the case.