Brazen murder

THE murder of Gurugram-based bookie Sachin Goda has turned the spotlight on organised crime in the region. The audacious attack, which took place in Haryana’s Rohtak days after the killing of INLD state chief Nafe Singh Rathi in Bahadurgarh, left Goda’s mother injured. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, notorious for its brazen defiance of the law, has purportedly claimed responsibility for this heinous crime. This is not an isolated incident; in fact, it is symptomatic of a deeper malaise gripping the region. The 2022 broad-daylight killing of popular singer Sidhu Moosewala in Punjab’s Mansa district was a wake-up call for law enforcement agencies, with gangs being not only active in India but also operating from Western nations such as Canada and the UK.

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The gangsters’ involvement in extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings underscores the urgent need for decisive action by the authorities. The failure to curb this menace is emboldening criminal elements and perpetuating a culture of impunity. The rivalry between the Bishnoi gang and its adversaries, like the Bambiha group, is another vital aspect of the problem, with both groups wantonly indulging in revenge killings.

The rising influence of international crime syndicates undermines the rule of law, jeopardising the security of citizens. It is imperative for various agencies to strengthen coordination among themselves and enhance sharing of intelligence so as to bust such gangs and nail the perpetrators. Mere reshuffling of officers is not enough to tackle the recurring violence. Efforts must also be made to address the socio-economic factors that contribute to the proliferation of such gangs. The at-risk youth must be persuaded to stay away from the world of crime by providing them opportunities for gainful employment.