Jalandhar, July 7, 2025 — In a dramatic early morning encounter on Monday, two wanted extortionists were arrested by police in Shahkot, Jalandhar, after a gunfight near the railway under-bridge at Kotli Gujaran village. The accused, identified as Lakhwinder Singh and Ajay, sustained bullet injuries during the exchange and were later admitted to Nakodar Civil Hospital for treatment.
“Acting on a tip-off, our teams tracked down the suspects, who immediately opened fire upon being intercepted. We retaliated in self-defence, during which both sustained injuries,” said Jalandhar (Rural) SSP Harvinder Singh Virk.
The duo was wanted in multiple cases, including extortion, robbery, and attempt to murder. According to police, Lakhwinder Singh has been booked in four such cases, while Ajay is facing at least three criminal cases.
In a high-profile incident last October, the two had allegedly opened fire on kabaddi player Simrandeep Singh at Chatha village in an extortion bid. Ajay was also involved in demanding ₹50 lakh ransom from three traders in Shahkot and Lohian via phone calls, Virk said.
Following Monday’s encounter, police recovered two illegal weapons, several cartridges, and 110 intoxicant capsules from the accused. A case has been registered under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (attempt to murder) and relevant sections of the Arms Act.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested men were working under the directions of foreign-based handlers, identified as Joginder Joga, Navdeep Kahlwan, and Jarmanjit Singh, operating from the UK and US. “We have already arrested eight members of the same gang that is being remotely operated from abroad,” the SSP said.
Police have intensified surveillance and are coordinating with international agencies to trace and act against the foreign-based masterminds behind the extortion network.
