Ludhiana: Two masked assailants fired upon a popular eatery in Khanna early on Friday. Police believe an international syndicate led by a former agent of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala is behind this intimidation tactic to extort ₹50 lakh.
The shooting occurred at Prem Dhaba around 6.45 am, moments before the business opened for the day. While no injuries were reported, the attack has sparked fear in the commercial district and follows a string of similar threats targeting local traders.
Witnesses described how two men arrived on a motorcycle with their faces covered. One of the suspects dismounted and fired four rounds at the dhaba before the pair fled toward Lalheri Road. "I was sweeping the floor when they arrived," said Ashok Kumar, a nearby shopkeeper. "As one of them fired multiple shots, I raised an alarm and several people from the street tried to give chase, but the attackers escaped on the two-wheeler."
Ramu, an employee who was inside the eatery at the time, said he had heard the gunfire from an upper floor and fled in fear. Police investigators recovered four shells from the scene, noting that at least two bullets had struck the restaurant's shutter.
The Extortion Link
Deputy superintendent of police (investigation) Mohit Singla confirmed the owner of Prem Dhaba had received death threats on his mobile phone recently. Police sources said the gang behind it demanded ₹50 lakh, warning of "serious consequences" if the amount was not paid.
The caller identified himself as Shaganpreet Singh, a name well-known to police authorities in Punjab. This man, believed to be operating from abroad, was a manager for Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh ‘Sidhu Moosewala' before the rapper was slain and has been linked to the 2021 murder of youth Akali activist Vicky Middukhera.
Widening Network
Khanna police have formed specialised teams, including the CIA (crime investigation agency), to review CCTV footage. Investigators believe the shooters obscured their registration-number plate to evade detection during the 30-second hit.
Senior superintendent of police Darpan Ahluwalia had earlier said that several commission agents and traders from Punjab's Khanna and Doraha regions had reported extortion calls from the same syndicate, often involving Shaganpreet Singh and gangster Balwinder Singh, also known as "Doni Bal".
The attack has raised concerns about the growing influence of organised crime in the region, with authorities vowing to crack down on the syndicate. Police are working to trace the motorcycle and identify the shooters through forensic evidence and witness accounts.
