In a brazen incident that has sent shockwaves through the industrial community of Ludhiana, a well-known businessman was threatened at gunpoint by assailants invoking the name of a notorious gangster. The event, which unfolded on a Tuesday evening, has prompted a high-priority police investigation into the audacious act of intimidation.
The Terrifying Ordeal in Model Town
The victim, identified as Rohit Jain, a 45-year-old resident of Model Town and owner of a hosiery manufacturing unit, was confronted near his residence. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at the Model Town police station, two unidentified men on a motorcycle accosted Jain. One of the assailants brandished a pistol, pointed it directly at the businessman, and issued a severe threat.
The core of the threat was a chilling message from gangster Sukhpreet Singh, alias Buddha. The gunman explicitly stated they were acting on Buddha's orders and warned Jain of dire consequences if he did not comply with their unspecified demands. The entire confrontation was swift, leaving the businessman traumatized before the duo sped away from the scene.
Police Launch Manhunt and Probe Criminal Links
Acting swiftly on Jain's complaint, the Ludhiana police have registered a case under sections 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death or hurt) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Importantly, the charges also include relevant sections of the Arms Act, given the overt display of a firearm.
Law enforcement officials are pursuing multiple angles. A primary focus is verifying the alleged involvement of Sukhpreet Singh Buddha's gang. Buddha is a known figure in Punjab's criminal landscape, and police are investigating whether this was a direct order, a misrepresentation by local criminals using his name for clout, or an attempt to extort money from the successful businessman. Teams have been formed to scan CCTV footage from the area and identify the motorcycle and its riders.
Community Fear and Call for Enhanced Security
The incident has ignited fear among Ludhiana's business fraternity, often referred to as the industrial heartland of Punjab. Such open threats in a residential area like Model Town point to a worrying sense of impunity among criminal elements. Business leaders have expressed concern, stating that such events create an environment of insecurity, which can adversely impact commercial confidence and investment in the region.
Local industrial associations are likely to seek meetings with senior police officials to demand enhanced patrolling and security, particularly in upmarket residential and commercial zones. The police have assured the public that they are taking the matter with utmost seriousness and are committed to cracking down on gangs attempting to disrupt the peace and economic stability of Ludhiana. The investigation remains active as authorities work to apprehend the culprits and unravel the motive behind this targeted threat.
