AGTF foils extortion firing plot in Ludhiana, two gangster associates heldਏਜੀਟੀਐਫ ਨੇ ਨਾਕਾਮ ਕੀਤੀ ਫਿਰੌਤੀ ਗੋਲੀਬਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼, ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ 'ਚ ਦੋ ਗੈਂਗਸਟਰ ਸਾਥੀ ਗ੍ਰਿਫ਼ਤਾਰ

The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police has claimed a significant breakthrough against organised crime, arresting two associates of a gangster network in a joint operation with the Commissionerate Police Ludhiana and foiling what it describes as a planned extortion firing in the Chandigarh–Mohali area.

Two held in joint operation

According to the police, the arrests were made on Monday, October 6, following specific intelligence inputs. The two accused, described as associates linked to a gangster network, were apprehended by AGTF teams working alongside Ludhiana Commissionerate Police personnel.

A Glock 9mm pistol along with 20 live cartridges was recovered from their possession, the police said. The recovery of a sophisticated weapon points to the well-armed nature of the module the police claim to have dismantled.

Foreign handlers, extortion firing task

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested men were in contact with foreign-based handlers, the police said. The duo had allegedly been tasked with carrying out a firing incident in the Chandigarh–Mohali area to extort money from a target — a plan that was thwarted by the timely arrests, according to the police.

The identities of the accused and the intended target of the firing have not been disclosed so far, with the police saying further questioning is underway. Investigators are now working to establish the module's backward and forward linkages, including how the weapon reached the accused and who else is part of the network.

Extortion-linked firing incidents have surfaced repeatedly in Punjab, with police frequently pointing to handlers operating from abroad who direct such modules remotely.

FIR registered, investigation continues

An FIR has been registered at Police Station Division No. 8, Ludhiana, and further investigation is ongoing, the police said. The operation, police added, underlines their stated commitment to dismantling gangster networks and maintaining peace across the state.

What did police recover in the AGTF operation in Ludhiana?

A Glock 9mm pistol along with 20 live cartridges was recovered from the two arrested men, the Punjab Police said.

What was the alleged extortion plot?

Preliminary investigation indicates the accused were in touch with foreign-based handlers and had been tasked with carrying out a firing in the Chandigarh–Mohali area for extortion, a plan police say was foiled by the arrests.

Where is the case registered?

An FIR has been registered at Police Station Division No. 8, Ludhiana, and further investigation is underway, the police said.