Notorious Gangster Pankaj Rajput Brought to Ludhiana on Production Warrant
In a significant development, notorious gangster Pankaj Rajput, who was wanted by Ludhiana police in several criminal cases, was brought to the city on a production warrant from Delhi on Monday. After being produced in court, he was remanded in five-day police custody, marking a crucial step in the ongoing investigations.
Arrest and Evasion of Police
Rajput was arrested by Delhi Police on February 11 from Puneet Nagar in Jamalpur in connection with an extortion bid. This arrest came even as Ludhiana police had been unable to trace him, despite him being wanted in multiple cases. The development has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the ongoing Operation Prahar 2.0, under which officers have been targeting gangsters and fugitives. While several accused with pending FIRs were rounded up under this drive, Rajput continued to evade arrest, highlighting potential gaps in the operation.
Details of Criminal Cases
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) Amandeep Singh Brar stated that Rajput was wanted in numerous cases registered in Ludhiana. He has now been formally arrested in a case lodged at Moti Nagar Police Station on August 17, 2025. In that case, police arrested his aide, Mukul Mattu of Mohalla Fatehgarh, and recovered a Glock pistol, 17 live cartridges, 1.05kg heroin, Rs 2.50 lakh cash, and a car. The firearm recovered was suspected to have been smuggled from across the border. Based on information provided by Mattu during interrogation, Rajput was nominated in the case.
Rajput is facing nearly 16 cases registered at Police Division Number 2, Basti Jodhewal, and Police Division Number 7 in Ludhiana, as well as in Sangrur, Ferozepur, and Bathinda. He had secured bail earlier and later managed to escape to the US in 2023, showcasing his ability to evade law enforcement.
Past Criminal Links and Incidents
His criminal links surfaced earlier as well. In 2019, when he was lodged in Ludhiana Central Jail, a mobile phone was recovered from his possession, indicating continued illegal activities even while incarcerated.
Other Cases Linked to Rajput
- May 20, 2025: Ludhiana Rural Police arrested Roshan Singh, alleged kingpin of a drug smuggling cartel, after an encounter in Jagraon. Roshan Singh, who is facing trial in at least 15 cases, including two murder cases, armed robberies, and illegal weapon possession, was suspected of operating under Rajput's directions.
- March 24, 2023: Ludhiana STF busted a drug cartel with the arrest of four men and recovery of 2.230kg heroin. Police stated that the racket was being operated by Rajput.
- July 15, 2022: CIA staff arrested three members of Rajput's gang and recovered a country-made .32-bore pistol, four live cartridges, and two sharp-edged weapons.
The arrest and remand of Pankaj Rajput underscore the persistent efforts by law enforcement to tackle organized crime in the region, while also pointing to challenges in operations like Prahar 2.0. As investigations proceed, more details are expected to emerge about his extensive criminal network.
