The murder of singer-cum-politician Sidhu Moose Wala has thrown the spotlight on gangsters operating in Punjab. Their tentacles usually spread to neighbouring areas like Haryana and Delhi too.
Here is a list of 5 most wanted gangsters choreographing extortion, kidnappings, and even murders in North India.
Gaurav Patial alias Lucky is considered a rival of Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, the alleged masterminds of Sidhu Moose Wala's murder. Lucky Patial runs the Davinder Bambiha gang. Bambiha had been killed in an encounter in 2016. Interestingly, Patial is reportedly lodged in a jail in Armenia, but is still able to dictate the operations of his group. Patial allegedly had a hand in the murder of Youth Akali Dal leader Vicky Middukhera. Bishnoi and Brar claimed to have avenged Middukhera's killing by murdering Moose Wala.
Vikas Lagarpuria is accused of being the mastermind of the mega ₹30 crore heist in Gurugram in August 2021. Lagarpuria was in hiding in Dubai, and recently tried to flee. He was intercepted, escaped again, and then was caught again, as per an Indian Express report. Haryana Police believe that Lagarpuria did this to delay his deportation to India, as he will now face a case in Dubai for escaping from police custody.
ALSO WATCH | Sidhu Moose Wala's 'killers' targeted Salman Khan too? Gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar under lens
The recent grenade attack on the intelligence headquarters of Punjab Police in Mohali brought gangster-turned-Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda into the public eye again. Rinda is believed to be in Pakistan, and planning terror acts against India with the help of Pakistan's spy agency ISI. He allegedly uses his gangster links to carry out attacks.
Lakhbir Singh Landa is also believed to have had a hand in the Mohali Police building attack on May 9. He hails from Tarn Taran district and has reportedly been in Canada since 2017. He is a close associate of Harvinder Singh Rinda. On May 25, five alleged members of his gang were arrested by Mohali police, and pistols, AK 47 rifle magazines, live cartridges, and cash were recovered.
Satinder Singh, alias Goldy Brar, has been named as one of the main accused in the murder of Sidhu Moose Wala. He hails from Punjab's Faridkot, and is currently living in Canada. He is a close associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and allegedly runs an extortion racket on Bishnoi's behalf. Brar is believed to have been involved in the murder of Youth Congress leader Gurlal Pehalwan.
Also Read | Who is Sidhu Moose Wala, the controversial singer who has joined Congress?