Goldy Brar's Parents Sent to Judicial Custody in Bathinda Extortion Case
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into organized crime in Punjab, the parents of notorious gangster Goldy Brar have been remanded in jail. Shamsher Singh and Preetpal Kaur, who were arrested in Amritsar on January 26 in connection with an extortion case, were produced before a court in Bathinda on Friday. The police did not seek further custody, leading the court to send them to judicial remand.
Court Proceedings and Police Investigation
The couple was brought to court upon the expiry of their three-day police remand. Initially, after their arrest, the prosecution had argued for police custody, citing the need to trace the money trail and investigate potential links between the parents and their son, Goldy Brar. However, on Friday, authorities did not request an extension, resulting in their transfer to jail custody. Police have remained tight-lipped about the details of the investigations conducted during the remand period, declining to share findings with mediapersons.
Background of the Extortion Case
The case stems from a complaint filed by Satnam Singh, a resident of Udekaran village, who alleged receiving repeated threat calls from a foreign number demanding Rs 50 lakh. According to the complaint, the caller identified himself as a member of the Bambiha group. A formal case of extortion and criminal intimidation was registered at the Muktsar Sadar police station on December 3, 2024. Approximately seven weeks later, Shamsher Singh, a former police officer, and Preetpal Kaur were apprehended from a hotel in Amritsar.
Legal Arguments and Controversies
During the initial court appearance, the defence counsel strongly opposed the police custody request. They argued that the First Information Report (FIR) made no mention of Goldy Brar or his parents, and pointed out that the complainant had stated the extortion call was made in the name of the Bambiha group, which is known to be opposed to Brar. Despite these objections, the court had initially granted police custody, which has now concluded without further extension.
Alleged Audio Threat from Goldy Brar
Adding to the tension, an audio message purportedly from Goldy Brar has surfaced, expressing anger over the arrests of his parents and threatening violent retribution against the Punjab government. Law enforcement agencies have not yet commented on the authenticity of this audio clip. Goldy Brar, whose exact whereabouts remain unknown, is a key suspect wanted in the high-profile murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala on May 29, 2022.
Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This case highlights the complex web of criminal activities and inter-gang rivalries in Punjab, with authorities under pressure to address extortion and intimidation tactics. The remand of Brar's parents in jail marks a pivotal moment, but questions linger about the investigation's progress and the potential fallout from the alleged threats. As the situation unfolds, further updates are expected from police and judicial authorities.
