Ludhiana: Police have dismantled a sophisticated interstate extortion and arms-smuggling ring directed by high-profile fugitives based abroad, exposing a disturbing security breach involving the supply of high-end weaponry from behind bars.The operation resulted in the arrest of 10 operatives linked to notorious gangster Satinderjeet Singh, better known as Goldy Brar, and Rajasthan-based criminal Varinder Charan. Authorities recovered 12 “sophisticated” firearms, including imported 9mm Glock and Zigana pistols, highlighting the rising influx of international-grade weaponry into the region’s underworld.
A Syndicate Run from OverseasLudhiana’s police commissioner, Swapan Sharma, confirmed that the syndicate targeted prominent businessmen across Punjab and Haryana. The gang’s signature tactic involved “warning shots” fired at storefronts and residences to intimidate victims into paying protection money. Investigative leads show the gang opened fire recently at a Ludhiana shop and attempted a similar strike in Amritsar, which failed only because their weapon jammed. Their next target was reportedly a businessman based in Haryana.The ‘Jail-to-Street’ Weapon PipelineOne of the most alarming revelations of the probe is the role of Mukul Mattu, an inmate currently lodged in Ludhiana Central Jail. Despite being incarcerated, Mattu allegedly acted as a primary coordinator, arranging the delivery of imported pistols for the gang’s street operatives. “His ability to supply weapons while sitting in jail is a serious matter,” said deputy commissioner of police (investigation) Harpal Singh. “We are probing how these sophisticated firearms — specifically the Zigana and Glock models — were procured and moved under the directions of those in custody.”The Takedown: A Coordinated EffortThe collapse of the ring began on Dec 12, 2025, with the arrests of Jatin alias ‘Sam’ and Jaspreet Singh. Their interrogation triggered a domino effect of jail raids, statewide arrests, and interstate coordination. Inmates Shubham Grover (Ferozepur jail) and Mukul Mattu (Ludhiana jail) were brought out on production warrants and charged formally. Operatives Jatin Kataria, Rajesh alias ‘Kannu’, and Naresh Sethi were picked up in subsequent raids. Two members, Manav and Vikas, were intercepted by the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) in Sonipat while attempting to deliver pistols on the orders of Varinder Charan.Recruiting the Next GenerationPolice claim that Brar’s network has radicalised a mix of seasoned criminals and “new faces”. More than 10 youths from Ludhiana were integrated into the gang to carry out ground-level logistics and shootings, lured by the influence of overseas handlers. While 10 suspects are in custody, the hunt continues for several key figures, including the foreign-based Varinder Charan and local associates Sandeep, Vikram Kumar, and Rajan Sidhu. MSID:: 126801106 413 |
