In a significant crackdown, the Ludhiana Police have dismantled a sophisticated extortion racket allegedly operated by Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar with the help of associates from Rajasthan and local operatives. The network had recruited at least ten youths from the city to target wealthy industrialists and other affluent residents.
The Interstate Nexus Uncovered
Investigations revealed that Goldy Brar expanded his criminal operations to Ludhiana's lucrative industrial belt with the assistance of Rajasthan-based gangster Varinder Charan and Shubham Grover, who was lodged in Ferozepur jail at the time. A senior police official stated that the city's large industrial base made it a prime hunting ground for the syndicate.
The breakthrough came when police, along with Ludhiana counter-intelligence, arrested two city residents: Jaspreet Singh alias Jassu and Jatin alias Sam. Their interrogation peeled back the layers of a larger criminal nexus, leading to a series of subsequent arrests.
Arrests and Firearms Recovered
Following the initial leads, cases were registered under Sections 111 (1,2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for organised crime and Sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act. The accused named include Goldy Brar, Shubham Grover, Varinder Charan, and Ludhiana residents Naresh Sethi, Manav, Vikas, Rajesh alias Kannu, Vikram, Rajan Sidhu alias Nanni, Jaspreet alias Jass, Jatin Kataria, and Sandeep.
Police later arrested Rajesh alias Kannu, Jatin Kataria, and Naresh Sethi from Ludhiana. So far, the authorities have recovered six firearms from the accused, including two Zigana pistols, two Glock pistols, a .32 bore, and a .30 bore pistol.
The gang, formed by Brar with associates in Punjab and Rajasthan, comprised over ten youths from Ludhiana. While some had prior criminal records, others were newcomers to crime. In a parallel development, Manav and Vikas were apprehended by the Haryana Special Task Force in Sonipat.
Violent Plans and Failed Attempts
Interrogation revealed that Manav and Vikas were in touch with Varinder Charan and were instructed to deliver pistols in Sonipat, where they were arrested. Around seven firearms were recovered in that operation. Further questioning of the Ludhiana-based accused exposed their direct involvement in violent acts.
They were tasked with firing at the house of an Amritsar resident to extort money on Brar's behalf. The attempt failed only due to a gun malfunction. Police confirmed that residents of Jalandhar and industrialists from Ludhiana were also on their target list.
Officials believe the arrests have successfully dismantled a dangerous nexus that had the potential to unleash serious violence in the industrial city.
The Rohit Godara Connection
Investigators are also probing the role of Rajasthan native Rohit Godara, a known figure in extortion cases and considered a confidant of Goldy Brar. Police sources indicate Godara has been running an extortion racket from abroad for years. He was also named in the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, allegedly plotted by Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi. His links with Brar and Varinder Charan are under the scanner in the current case.
Criminal Record of the Accused
Several of the arrested individuals have a recent history of violence. Naresh Sethi, Jatin Kataria, Rajesh alias Kannu, Vikram, and Sandeep were already booked in an attempt-to-murder case on October 21 following a clash near a vegetable market where shots were fired, injuring a rival. The same group was involved in a violent brawl at the market on September 2, pelting bricks and glass bottles.
Key Ludhiana Operatives
Jaspreet Singh alias Jassu: Among the first arrested; acted as a local operative and conduit. His interrogation was crucial.
Jatin alias Sam: Arrested with Jaspreet; part of the initial nexus.
Rajesh alias Kannu: Involved in handling firearms and coordinating violent acts.
Jatin Kataria: Active member assisting in planning attacks.
Naresh Sethi: Linked to core module; helped in logistics and coordination.
Manav & Vikas: Involved in weapon delivery on directions from Varinder Charan; arrested in Sonipat.
