Mohali court rejects bail plea of alleged vehicle theft kingpin

A Mohali court has dismissed the bail application of Ranbir Singh, alias Joji, who is accused of running a vehicle theft and forgery racket, citing the seriousness of the charges and the absence of any change in circumstances since the earlier rejection of his plea.

Police informed the court that Singh is the main kingpin of a gang involved in stealing vehicles and selling them after tampering with engine and chassis numbers using forged documents. Acting on a tip-off, the police laid a naka on Airport Road on August 18 and arrested the accused along with his associates while they were travelling in a stolen Thar jeep bearing a fake registration number.

During the investigation, four stolen vehicles were recovered from the accused. The police also seized a dot marking machine allegedly used to alter engine and chassis numbers. It was further submitted that ten FIRs related to vehicle theft have been registered against the accused in New Delhi.

The defence argued that the accused has been in judicial custody since August 18 and that the investigation has been completed. However, the court observed that mere completion of investigation and the length of custody are not sufficient grounds for granting bail, particularly in view of the gravity of the offences. Finding no fresh grounds to reconsider the matter, the court dismissed the bail application and ordered the file to be consigned to the record room.