In a brazen daylight attack that has sent shockwaves through Punjab's business community, a luxury car rental showroom in Ludhiana was targeted by masked assailants in a shooting and extortion attempt. The incident, which occurred on Saturday morning, has prompted a massive tactical response from the Ludhiana police, involving at least ten specialised teams.
A Calculated and Professional Attack
The attack unfolded at approximately 10:30 am at the Royal Limo's showroom near Mullanpur's ITB Chowk. According to eyewitness accounts and crucial CCTV footage, two assailants arrived on a single motorcycle. In a move to avoid identification, the license plates of the bike were deliberately blackened. The riders approached the showroom from the wrong side of the road, adding to the audacity of the strike.
One of the gunmen dismounted and, wielding weapons in both hands, opened fire on the high-end vehicles on display. Between five to six rounds were fired, causing significant damage to the windshields and bodywork of premium cars parked outside, including a Mercedes and a Range Rover. The sudden gunfire sent bystanders and staff scrambling for cover.
The Extortion Link and Gangster Calling Cards
Following the shooting, the plot thickened. Ludhiana Rural Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ankur Gupta confirmed that the business owners received a "huge" extortion demand shortly after the attack. Investigators believe the threatening call was made via WhatsApp, likely using a masked foreign number or an international VoIP service to evade local law enforcement tracking.
Before fleeing the scene, the gunmen dropped chits or "calling cards" bearing the names of two notorious gang figures: Pawan Shokeen and Mohabbat Randhawa. Police are now in the process of formalizing charges against the two unidentified shooters as well as the named gangsters.
Massive Police Operation and Cross-Border Manhunt
The police response has been swift and extensive. Eight to ten tactical teams have been deployed to track the escape route of the assailants. Investigators are meticulously scanning a network of CCTV cameras across the district to map the motorcycle's path, which is suspected to have moved towards the state border.
In a significant escalation of the operation, police teams have extended their search into neighbouring states. Raids are being conducted on suspected hideouts linked to the criminal syndicates operated by Shokeen and Randhawa. Digital forensic experts are working to trace the origin of the extortion call, with initial sources suggesting it may have originated from abroad. This method is seen as a common hallmark of Punjab's evolving gang-extortion model.
While no injuries were reported from the shooting, the assault on a prominent business that caters to Punjab's lavish wedding industry has intensified regional concerns. It highlights the bold and intimidating nature of modern gang-related violence, targeting high-profile establishments in broad daylight.
