Metro Crane Operator Arrested: Employer Says Background Checks Were Clear
NIA arrests crane operator at Mumbai Metro site for alleged ties to Khalistani terror group
Crane operator with Khalistani links arrested at Mumbai Metro site, employer highlights verification gaps
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently arrested Jatinder Singh, alias Jyoti, a crane operator working at the Mankhurd Metro 2B construction site in Mumbai. Singh is accused of being linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a Khalistani terror group. He had reportedly worked at Metro sites in Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai.
Singh was hired by Gill Enterprises, based in Kalamboli, to operate cranes for the Mumbai Metro Line 2B project, managed by Ahluwalia Contracts (India) Ltd. The firm’s owner, Amarjeet Singh, stated he had verified Jatinder’s documents, including his Aadhaar card, driving license, and past work experience, before hiring him. “He seemed experienced and provided all necessary ID cards. No one suspected anything unusual about his behavior at work,” Amarjeet said.
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According to Amarjeet, Jatinder claimed to have worked on several Metro projects, including Delhi Metro in 2016, Lucknow Metro, and the first phase of Mumbai Metro (Ghatkopar to Versova) in 2008. Jatinder earned Rs 27,000 per month and was introduced by someone Amarjeet trusted.
Following the arrest, Ahluwalia Contracts suspended its agreement with Gill Enterprises, asking the firm to remove its crane from the site. Amarjeet expressed frustration, stating, “I am suffering for no fault of mine. This suspension will cost me Rs 4-5 lakh. How many workers at the site undergo proper verification?”
Mumbai police are now verifying Jatinder’s background but have not found any criminal history in the city so far. They are also questioning his close associates to rule out any further connections to his alleged activities.
According to the NIA, Jatinder was connected to mobster Bachitar Singh, also known as Pavitra Batala, and Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh, also known as Landa. He had been evading capture since July and was allegedly involved in providing firearms to another accused in a terror case in Punjab.
Jatinder’s arrest highlights gaps in background verification processes at critical infrastructure sites.
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