Gurgaon Fashion Designer Targeted in Extortion-Related Shooting Incident
In a brazen act of intimidation, multiple gunshots were fired outside the Golf Course Road office of prominent fashion designer Mayank Chawla on the evening of February 18. This alarming incident represents the latest in a disturbing series of extortion threats that have recently targeted businessmen, musicians, realtors, and other professionals within the city of Gurgaon.
Gangster Claims Responsibility and Issues Threats
Notorious gangster Deepak Nandal publicly claimed responsibility for the shooting on social media platforms, using the opportunity to issue warnings to other potential targets. According to information obtained by investigators, Nandal had demanded a staggering ransom of Rs 5 crore from designer Mayank Chawla, escalating the extortion attempt into a violent confrontation.
Police Make Multiple Arrests in Coordinated Operation
In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement authorities arrested three individuals on Thursday in connection with the case. The Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Devender (41) and Naveen (30), both residents of Parnala in Jhajjar district, along with Sandeep (44) from Silana in Sonipat. During the operation, police successfully seized two automatic pistols, seven live cartridges, and a vehicle used in the commission of the crime.
In a parallel development on the same day, Inspector Lalit Kumar from the Crime Branch Sector 40 arrested Ravikant (30) of Patel Nagar for his involvement in the organized criminal activity. The coordinated arrests demonstrate the multi-pronged approach taken by Haryana Police to dismantle the extortion network.
Investigation Reveals Detailed Planning and Execution
Police sources confirmed that the assailants fired shots into the air rather than targeting individuals directly. Staff members at Chawla's office immediately notified the designer about the terrifying incident. Since Mayank Chawla resides in Delhi, he initially approached Delhi Police authorities. However, as the shooting occurred within Gurgaon jurisdiction, he was directed to file a formal complaint with Gurgaon police, which he did at the DLF Phase 1 police station on February 21.
A senior Haryana Police officer provided crucial details about the investigation: "Following a detailed analysis of CCTV footage and intelligence inputs, we identified Devender as the primary shooter. During sustained interrogation, the arrested trio disclosed that they planned to target Chawla specifically at Nandal's behest. We have registered a fresh case on organized crime and the STF unit is actively investigating while sharing key inputs related to the Golf Course Road incident with Gurgaon police."
Criminal Backgrounds of Arrested Individuals
The investigation revealed troubling criminal histories among the arrested suspects. Two of the apprehended men have prior criminal records: Devender faces three registered theft cases, while Sandeep has approximately nine criminal cases against him, including serious charges of murder, attempted murder, and violations under the Arms Act. Police confirmed that Sandeep was previously convicted in the 2008 Mandothi murder case, highlighting the dangerous nature of the individuals involved in this extortion scheme.
Broader Criminal Network and Previous Incidents
Deepak Nandal, who previously operated with the Himanshu Bhau gang, is now believed to be working independently according to police sources. The social media post shared by Nandal also referenced other individuals including Rao Inderjeet Yadav, founder of a music company who is wanted in multiple murder, attempted murder, and cheating cases in the state, as well as a figure identified as Rinku Boss, a sarpanch.
This incident follows a pattern of criminal activity linked to Nandal and his associates. Last year alone, Nandal and Yadav were named in three separate FIRs in Gurgaon for plotting the firing on rapper Fazilpuria's car on Southern Peripheral Road on July 14, the contract killing of property dealer Rohit Shokeen on August 4, and the firing at real estate company MNR Buildmark's office in Sector 45 on September 18.
Police authorities continue their investigation to determine the exact number of shots fired during the incident, with further details expected to emerge as interrogations progress. Mayank Chawla could not be reached for comment regarding the traumatic experience and ongoing investigation.
