Ludhiana: A persistent wave of international extortion calls continues to target Ludhiana traders, with a local travel agent becoming the latest victim of a 5-million-rupee demand from the UK-based “Ghanshampuria” gang.
Police registered a first-information report (FIR) against Manpreet Singh, alias Mann Ghanshampuria, who operates from England. The complainant, Karanpreet Singh, reported receiving repeated WhatsApp calls and voice notes from a foreign number threatening his family if the money was not paid.
Growing List of Extortion Cases
The case adds to a growing file of unresolved international extortion threats targeting prominent local figures. On May 14, an Ayurvedic practitioner and realtor from Village Raian received extortion and death threats from callers using a Pakistani phone number. Earlier that month, on May 6, a city-based car dealer allegedly received an extortion threat of 10 million rupees through an audio message from an international number, with the accused claiming to be an associate of gangster Rohit Godara.
High-Profile Demands in February
High-profile demands also hit the city in February. On February 26, wanted gangster Hari Chand Jatt, alias Harry Boxer of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, made an extortion call to a Ludhiana businessman associated with Punjabi singer Parmish Verma, demanding 100 million rupees. Just a day prior, BJP worker and realtor Gurbir Singh Garcha received a 50-million-rupee extortion threat from gangster Goldy Brar.
Threats Against Educational and Residential Targets
Mid-February saw similar targeted threats against educational and residential targets. Harminder Singh, the owner of a prominent private school, received a 20-million-rupee extortion call from a man claiming to be infamous gangster Doni Bal. On February 14, a resident of Baba Nand Singh Nagar in Ayali Kalan was targeted by an unidentified caller from the Lawrence Bishnoi group who demanded 10 million rupees and threatened to shoot the family.
These incidents underscore the growing menace of international extortion rackets operating from abroad, targeting affluent individuals in Ludhiana. The police are investigating the latest case and have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls immediately.
