Ludhiana, Jan 12: A violent encounter in Ludhiana ended with the arrest of three Rohit Godara gang members who were wanted for a high-profile extortion bid against a local businessman. The gunfight occurred in the Ladian-Jassian belt when the bike-borne criminals fired at a police naka in a desperate attempt to flee.
Two of the suspects are currently undergoing treatment for critical injuries at the civil hospital after being hit by police fire. The third member was taken into custody at the scene. This group is allegedly responsible for the January 5 attack on a Haibowal showroom, where they demanded Rs 50 lakh in ransom after firing at the storefront.
“The suspects attempted to break the naka and opened fire on the police party,” Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma noted. He mentioned that the police retaliated to gain control of the situation. Sharma directly said that the operation was a swift response to the brazen firing incident reported in Civil City.
The intensity of the shootout was evidenced by the damage to a police vehicle and a narrow escape for Head Constable Pardeep Singh, whose turban was grazed by a projectile. Following the arrests, teams seized two .32-bore pistols and a black motorcycle used in the crime.
Police records show the arrested individuals have a history of violent offenses. The crackdown follows a broader investigation into the Godara gang’s influence in Punjab. The gang frequently uses social media to claim responsibility for shootings and uses overseas numbers to intimidate local traders and industrialists for protection money.
Further inquiries are being conducted to trace the wider links of the module. This includes the interrogation of Shubham Grover, a jailed gangster believed to have connections to the recent extortion calls. Authorities remain on high alert as they scan for other local associates providing logistical support to the Rajasthan-based gang leader.
