GURGAON: A 14-year-old schoolboy was allegedly drawn into a gangster plot that originated in Punjab and was orchestrated by handlers abroad. The minor was asked to deliver part of the advance payment to two hired shooters who opened fire outside the Gurgaon residence of Saurabh Yadav, the former manager of singer Fazilpuria, on May 2.
Arrests and Custodial Death
Crime branch teams arrested Gursher Singh alias Shera (23) and Jaspal alias Babbal (28), both from Tarn Taran in Punjab, in connection with the firing incident. Two days later, on May 11, Gursher was killed while allegedly trying to flee police custody.
Financial Details of the Conspiracy
According to police, fugitive gangster Satta Naushera, a close aide of designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa, had promised the two men Rs 20 lakh to kill Yadav. The shooters received Rs 1.4 lakh in advance in two installments, including Rs 1 lakh delivered near the Amritsar bus stand through the schoolboy. The remaining money was to be paid after the killing was carried out.
Weapons Smuggled from Pakistan
In addition to the money, the shooters were supplied with three Glock pistols, which allegedly reached them nearly two months earlier. These weapons were smuggled from Pakistan by drone through a cross-border network. Police noted that the shooters had never met the courier who left the weapons for them at a designated location in Amritsar.
Planning and Execution
Officers revealed that the attack was planned over approximately one month. "They were in regular touch with Satta and had prepared for the attack for a month before carrying it out. Gursher had earlier carried out a firing in Punjab on Satta's directions and had been named in an attempt-to-murder case there," an officer stated.
The assailants traveled to Gurgaon specifically to target Yadav. They fired outside his house to spread panic. Constable Kulbir, who had been deployed there following extortion complaints, sustained graze injuries on his hands and legs. During the attack, Babbal was allegedly riding the motorcycle while Gursher, seated as a pillion, fired the shots.
Role of Deepak Nandal
The investigation is also examining the role of Deepak Nandal, a music producer-turned-gangster, in orchestrating the attack. The motive is believed to stem from a monetary dispute. According to police, after Nandal came into contact with Satta, he was assured help in eliminating Yadav. "There is a possibility that Nandal may provide financial assistance to the Satta Naushera gang, which is involved in smuggling cross-border weapons into India, mainly through Punjab," an officer said.
Claim of Responsibility
Both Satta and Nandal have claimed responsibility for the firing. Police are now trying to establish how the two individuals came into contact with each other.
Landa was declared a terrorist by the Union home ministry in December 2023. Satta, who carries a reward of Rs 5 lakh, is accused of supplying cross-border weapons to gang members in Punjab and neighboring states with the help of associates in Pakistan.
Legal Action
An FIR has been registered for attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, extortion, causing hurt to deter a public servant, and relevant provisions of the Arms Act.
