Breakthrough in Extortion Case: Three Arrested, Including Dismissed Punjab Cop
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has apprehended three individuals, among them a former Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Punjab Police who was dismissed from service, in connection with a firing-for-extortion case linked to Punjab. The arrests have enabled authorities to resolve two extortion cases, including one registered in Punjab involving a shooting incident. The accused are alleged to have conspired to extort Rs 10 crore from a Delhi-based defence equipment manufacturer by issuing death threats in the name of Khalistani and gangster elements.
Identities of the Accused
The suspects have been identified as Gurpinder Singh alias Prince (32) and Shamsher Singh alias Sam (35), both residents of Tarn Taran, Punjab, and Jaswant Singh (59), a resident of Amritsar. Jaswant Singh is a former ASI of Punjab Police who was dismissed from service in 2006 and later worked with the complainant’s company. Gurpinder Singh works as a gym trainer, while Shamsher Singh was involved in his family’s photography business.
Details of the Extortion Attempt
The case stems from an FIR registered at Chanakyapuri Police Station on October 17, 2025, based on a complaint by Sahil Luthra, Founder and Managing Director of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Pvt Ltd. Luthra alleged that he received repeated extortion calls and death threats demanding Rs 10 crore in the name of gangster Goldy Brar and Khalistani elements. The threats were made via phone calls and messages during August and September 2025, followed by a WhatsApp voice note from an international number on June 4, 2026, reiterating the demand and threatening serious consequences.
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation was transferred to the Crime Branch on June 10, according to Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) HGS Dhaliwal in a press statement. During interrogation, Gurpinder Singh and Shamsher Singh allegedly disclosed that they had sent the threatening WhatsApp voice note at the instance of co-accused Jaswant Singh, who was overseeing the complainant company’s Punjab operations. Investigators further found that earlier extortion calls and threatening messages were allegedly orchestrated through a person identified as “Manni”, operating from Spain using a WhatsApp number, in connivance with Jaswant Singh.
Links to Firing Incident and Criminal Network
The police alleged that the accused transmitted threatening voice notes and messages via WhatsApp, created a false threat narrative in the name of Khalistani and gangster elements, and participated in a criminal conspiracy to extort money from the complainant. The investigation also revealed the accused’s alleged involvement in a firing incident targeting the complainant in Punjab. According to the Crime Branch, the present conspiracy has now been linked to a separate Punjab-based firing-for-extortion case. Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the network.
Previous Criminal Records and Evidence
Jaswant Singh has previously been named in two criminal cases registered in Punjab. Five mobile phones allegedly used in the commission of the crime have been recovered. The disclosures made by the accused are being corroborated through technical evidence and other independent sources, Dhaliwal added. The police continue to investigate to uncover additional connections and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
