From jails to foreign shores, gangs call the shots
An alarming surge in extortion and firing incidents across Haryana is being linked to gangsters operating from abroad — and in some cases from inside jail cells — raising serious concerns over law enforcement’s ability to curb their growing influence.
Several recent incidents across districts like Hisar, Rohtak, Yamunanagar and Jind point to a pattern where miscreants, acting on instructions from gang leaders, have fired at business establishments and liquor shops to demand ransom or force business partnerships.
On June 2, two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire outside a mobile shop before fleeing the scene, leaving behind a ransom note demanding Rs 1 crore. In a breakthrough, the Hisar and Karnal police arrested five accused after an encounter near Siswala village in Hisar.
In another case, shooters opened fire at a liquor shop in Rohtak and posted the video on Instagram, a tactic seemingly aimed at spreading fear and showcasing dominance. Similar firing incidents were reported in Yamunanagar, Jind and other districts, leaving local traders and businessmen in a state of panic.
A senior police officer, requesting anonymity, said these acts are often carried out by paid operatives working at the behest of gangsters.
“The threats are alarming. These gangsters may be lodged in jails or sitting abroad, but they continue to operate through a network of associates and hired shooters. Technology and social media have only made it easier for them to stay in touch with their operatives,” he said.
Police say they have arrested several shooters and recovered evidence exposing the nexus between jailed gangsters and ground-level criminals. However, the challenge remains steep.
Another senior officer acknowledged the threat but declined to name specific gangsters, warning against giving them further notoriety.
“Businessmen are receiving threat calls demanding protection money or pressuring them to hand over a share in their business. In many cases, these threats escalate into actual firing at shops or even homes,” he said.
Despite repeated efforts, DGP Shatrujeet Kapur could not be contacted for comments.
The rise in organised extortion and violence has caught the attention of opposition leaders. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala have lashed out at the state government, accusing it of a complete breakdown of law and order.
Drawing parallels with Mumbai’s underworld era, Surjewala said: “Haryana is witnessing an alarming surge in criminal activities, including murders, threats, extortion and a general breakdown of law and order. Criminal gangs operate from abroad and fear grips the common citizen.”
He demanded immediate and effective action from the state government to restore the people’s confidence in law enforcement.
Haryana Tribune