Four criminals were gunned down by police in an encounter last night in Gurugram, bringing the spotlight back on notorious Haryana gangster Deepak Nandal. Once a prominent face of the Haryanvi music industry, Nandal has transformed into a wanted criminal who now operates his network from abroad, according to police officials.
From Music Producer to Criminal Underworld
Deepak Nandal began his career as a music producer, rapper, and performer, collaborating with popular Haryanvi singer Rahul Fazilpuria and rapper Badshah. He worked on tracks such as “Haryana Roadways” and “Kar Gayi Chull”. However, he soon shifted to criminal activities, initially gaining notoriety for weapon smuggling and involvement in local disputes. He quickly rose through the ranks of the criminal underworld in Haryana.
Nandal is now linked to crimes including extortion, murder, and kidnapping. He recruits young people through social media and manages his entire network from abroad, with reported activities in the UAE, the UK, and Canada. He is on the wanted list of the Rohtak and Sonepat police, with cases of extortion and contract killing.
Escape and International Manhunt
Nandal fled India in 2023 after coming under the radar of the Special Task Force (STF), according to IG B Satheesh Balan. The police are now pursuing legal processes to issue a Red Corner Notice against him through Interpol. Despite being abroad, Nandal remains active on social media platforms, where he cultivates the image of a “don”. After orchestrating a shooting, he would immediately claim responsibility.
Targeting Prominent Figures in Delhi-NCR
In recent years, Nandal’s gang has targeted prominent figures across Delhi-NCR, including builders, businessmen, and singers. Following an attack on Rahul Fazilpuria in 2025, a viral post claimed responsibility for the shooting, alleging that Fazilpuria had taken Rs 5 crore from Nandal and failed to return it. In August 2025, Rohit Shaukeen, an associate of Fazilpuria, was shot in broad daylight in Gurugram, with Nandal claiming responsibility. In May 2026, shooters opened fire at the house of Saurabh Yadav, an event organiser for Fazilpuria, at Kanhai village.
