Police in Ludhiana have made a startling discovery. An incarcerated criminal from Rajasthan, already linked to the 2022 assassination of popular Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, is running a sophisticated interstate extortion operation from behind bars. This revelation exposes a dangerous network operating across state lines.
The Civil City Shootout
The investigation began after a violent incident on January 5th. Three assailants opened fire on a garment shop in Ludhiana's Civil City area. The shop owner, Himanshu Handa, had previously ignored a WhatsApp extortion threat demanding a hefty sum of Rs 50 lakh.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Harpal Singh provided details on the arrests. "Following an encounter on January 12th in the Ladian-Jassian area, we apprehended the three shooters," he stated. The individuals were identified as Sumit Kumar, Sumit 'Altron', and Sanju.
During interrogation, a crucial link emerged. "The shooters confessed that Arshad Khan had assigned them the task of firing at Handa's shop," DCP Singh explained. Their goal was to intimidate the businessman after he refused the gang's demands.
A Key Operative Emerges
Arshad Khan, a native of Rajasthan's Churu district, was brought to Ludhiana this week on a production warrant from Ferozepur Jail. Police allege he acted as a critical middleman for the notorious Goldy Brar gang.
His role involved coordinating a "hit squad" to terrorize local businessmen. This marks a significant breakthrough for investigators. They are now piecing together the operational links between jailed high-profile criminals and the street-level shooters who carry out their orders.
A History of Violence
Arshad Khan is no stranger to serious crime. His arrest history is deeply troubling. Police confirm he was originally arrested for supplying the Mahindra Bolero SUV used in the May 2022 attack that killed Sidhu Moose Wala.
Furthermore, his involvement extends to another violent episode. Investigators have confirmed Khan's role in the 2023 Goindwala Jail riot. This violent clash resulted in the deaths of two other suspects connected to the Moose Wala murder case, Mandeep Singh Toofan and Manmohan Singh.
The Jail Connection
The current probe has highlighted a deeply concerning trend. Incarcerated gangsters are actively managing criminal networks from their prison cells. Investigators say Arshad Khan and a fellow inmate, Shubham Grover, acted as coordinators.
Their job was to connect top-tier leadership figures like Goldy Brar with local recruits on the outside. A senior police official shed light on the expansive operation.
"The aides of Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar are working together across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana," the official said. "The most alarming aspect is the jail connection itself."
The official detailed the recruitment tactics. "Inmates are not just luring young men with money. They are promising to handle legal fees and provide support for their families. This creates a loyal network of foot soldiers, all orchestrated from within prison walls."
This case underscores the persistent challenge law enforcement faces. Criminal enterprises are evolving, using technology and coercion to operate seamlessly despite key figures being behind bars. The Ludhiana police investigation continues as they work to dismantle this sophisticated racket entirely.
