Patiala, Jan 13: A police encounter in Patiala resulted in the arrest of two youths linked to the Goldy Dhillon gang following an extortion-related shooting in Rajpura. The suspects, Davinder Singh and Anuj Kumar, were reportedly recruited by foreign-based handlers through social media platforms to carry out a contract killing and extortion bid.
The duo allegedly opened fire on the residence of Darshan Singh in Gaddo-Majra on December 13, leaving the elderly man with a bullet wound. This attack was orchestrated to pressure the victim’s son, a United States resident, into paying ransom. Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma noted that police teams tracked the suspects to a hideout where a brief shootout occurred.
“Our teams were on the prowl and managed to trace the two shooters. When asked to surrender, they started firing at the police party,” SSP Sharma said. He mentioned that both men sustained injuries during the confrontation and are currently under medical supervision.
Investigations revealed the suspects were former security guards who fell into the gang’s orbit online. One suspect had been physically assaulted a year ago, an incident recorded and posted online. Gangster Goldy Dhillon reportedly leveraged this grievance, contacting the youth to offer weapons and cash for revenge.
“Dhillon asked the youths to reach Muzzafarnagar where they were provided with pistols and Rs 30,000,” the SSP said. However, the handlers directed them to prioritize the attack on Darshan Singh before pursuing their personal vendetta.
The operation was allegedly coordinated by Mandeep Sarpanch, a Spain-based recruiter. Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Gurbans Singh Bains said that these international syndicates specifically target impressionable individuals to insulate themselves from local law enforcement.
“Gangsters lure youths on social media. It is easier for them to use gullible youth and disassociation with them once they are arrested. The whole extortion racket runs from abroad,” SP Bains said.
