Shooter Nabbed in Ludhiana Payal Firing Case as Extortion Racket Unravels

Ludhiana- Police in Ludhiana have arrested three individuals, including the main shooter, in connection with the firing incident at a trader’s shop in Payal’s grain market, officials said. The arrests mark a major breakthrough in what investigators say was an extortion-linked attack orchestrated by a gangster network.

The prime accused, Umesh Kumar alias Sonu Chhanga, was apprehended after he attempted to escape by jumping from the first floor of an abandoned building, resulting in a leg fracture. Acting on his disclosure, police subsequently arrested his younger brother Laksh and a cab driver, Gurwinder Singh alias Goldy. Another culprit, identified as Gaurav alias Gora from Amritsar, is still absconding.

According to investigators, the April 14 firing targeted a commission agent’s shop and was part of an alleged extortion attempt. Police said the attack was linked to gangster Doni Bal, who is suspected of orchestrating the incident after receiving information about the trader.

Officials revealed that details about the target were allegedly passed through a network involving associates, eventually reaching the gangster, who then issued extortion threats. The accused reportedly opened fire at the locked shop to intimidate the victim.

With the latest inspection, police have so far arrested four individuals in the case. Authorities also confirmed that the vehicle used in the crime has been seized, and further raids are underway to track down the remaining suspect.

Police added that some of the arrested accused have prior criminal records and are facing trial in multiple cases. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the wider network behind the extortion plot.