Gang Network Busted: Drones, Hawala Linked to Extortion

Gurgaon police have dismantled a local criminal network linked to gangsters Deepak Nandal and Himanshu Bhau, arresting seven individuals. The gang, which operated across Haryana and Delhi-NCR, targeted builders, businessmen, music artists, and Bollywood-associated individuals for extortion. Weapons used by the network were allegedly smuggled from Pakistan via drones. A hawala operator from Delhi's Chandni Chowk, Gaurav Arora, was also taken into custody for allegedly routing crime proceeds.

The arrested men handled various stages of the operations, including identifying targets, conducting reconnaissance, arranging weapons, and facilitating the delivery of extortion money. They also used social media to claim responsibility for crimes and spread fear. The recovered items include four pistols, 18 live cartridges, and six mobile phones.

Investigations revealed that the gang had previously planned an extortion attempt against a businessman in Sector 38, a relative of a fashion designer targeted earlier in February. The crime branch team intervened before the gang could execute their plan. The group's members have prior criminal records, facing charges including murder, attempt to murder, and Arms Act violations.

Furthermore, a separate bust by Chandigarh Police on Tuesday apprehended four suspects linked to gangster Nandal, who were en route to Gurgaon for a planned firing and extortion. This operation also involved weapons smuggled from Pakistan via drones, with an arms supplier from Amritsar being arrested. Investigations are ongoing to trace further financial transactions and contacts of the apprehended individuals.