Ludhiana Commissionerate Police have apprehended two associates of a foreign-based gangster, uncovering a sophisticated cross-border weapon smuggling network. The arrested individuals were allegedly planning targeted attacks on prominent businessmen in Chandigarh and Mohali to facilitate extortion.
Gangster’s Network Exposed
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the two suspects, identified as Radhe Shyam and Rahul Kumar, both residents of Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan, were apprehended near a vacant plot belonging to the Irrigation Department on Ferozepur Road in Ludhiana. They were reportedly awaiting accomplices when police, acting on a tip-off, made the arrests.
Investigations indicate that the arrested men were in direct communication with their handler, Harman Sandhu, who operates from abroad. Acting under Sandhu’s instructions, they had devised a plan to instill terror by opening fire at the residences and business establishments of affluent individuals in Chandigarh and Mohali, with the ultimate aim of extorting substantial sums of money.
Sophisticated Weapon Smuggling from Pakistan
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the modus operandi involved smuggling sophisticated firearms and ammunition across the border. Police sources revealed that Sandhu, reportedly based in Spain, had directed his associates to collect a Glock pistol and 20 live cartridges from Amritsar. This weapon had allegedly been smuggled into India from Pakistan.
The pistol was subsequently transported to Nakodar and hidden beneath a signboard. The two shooters were then instructed to retrieve the weapon. Police reports suggest that Sandhu had remitted funds on multiple occasions to his associates to cover expenses such as fuel, accommodation, and other logistical needs. This money was allegedly hidden at various undisclosed locations and collected through a clandestine process.
The suspects were allegedly promised a payment of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 for each targeted attack. However, their apprehension by the Ludhiana police prevented the execution of these planned criminal activities.
Major Conspiracy Foiled in Punjab
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rupinder Bhatti stated that the arrests had successfully thwarted a significant conspiracy aimed at targeting businessmen in Chandigarh and Mohali. The arrested individuals, acting under the directives of the foreign-based gangster, were tasked with attacking prominent businessmen and coercing them for money.
Both Radhe Shyam and Rahul Kumar have prior criminal records. Radhe Shyam is facing five cases registered in Rawla Mandi and Anupgarh in Rajasthan, while Rahul Kumar is implicated in one case registered in Rawla Mandi. An FIR was registered at Police Division No 8 on October 3 under Sections 111(1) and 308(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 25, 54, and 59 of the Arms Act.
The police department has indicated that further investigations will focus on identifying the intended targets and tracing other members of the smuggling and extortion network. While the names of the intended targets cannot be disclosed for security reasons, the police have alerted them. The investigation is ongoing to dismantle the entire operation and apprehend all involved individuals.
The Chenab Times News Desk