Police unearth extortion racket run by Goldy Brar

The Ludhiana police have unearthed a major extortion racket being run by gangster Goldy Brar. The recent arrests of two city-based youths identified as Jatin of Chawni Mohalla and Jaspreet of Shivpuri here has led to the identification of 12 more accomplices belonging to different places across the state and working for Brar.

During the questioning of the two accused, the police got to know about several jail inmates lodged in various jails in Punjab who are also part of the extortion racket and helping Brar in enrolling state youths in the racket.

On the disclosures of the accused, the police have now brought gangster Shubham Grover on production warrant from Ferozepur jail. Shubham is being considered as the key handler of Goldy Brar who has been tasked by Brar to enrol youths for becoming part of an organised gang.

Additional DCP-1 Sameer Verma told The Tribune that gangster Shubham was a notorious criminal, who has been facing over 12 criminal cases. Questioning of Shubham is likely to shed light on the racket of Brar and how he had been engaging Punjab youths for the nefarious plans of his gang.

“We have registered a case under Section 111 (organised gang) of the BNS against 15 persons, including Brar, for leading an organised crime. The two accused had already been arrested while Shubham was arrested after bringing him on production warrant from Ferozepur jail. Questioning of Grover may also give police vital leads about the other jail inmates who have also been working for Brar,” added ADCP Verma.

Additional DCP said that Jaspreet and Jatin had recently gone to intimidate a bizman living out of Ludhiana from whom Brar had demanded extortion. The police also suspect that Brar might be arranging weapons for his handlers while sitting abroad. Even links of jailed gangster Shubham with illegal weapon suppliers were also being checked.

Who is Goldy Brar?

Gangster Goldy Brar has been designated a terrorist by the Union Home Ministry under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He has been linked to the Khalistani terrorist organisation Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Goldy Brar was a former right-hand man of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. He came to prominence after the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.