A decisive crackdown by Haryana's Special Task Force (STF) on criminal networks operating from abroad has yielded significant results, with the state witnessing a sharp 40% decline in extortion calls to businessmen and professionals. This successful operation has disrupted a major source of terror and financial coercion orchestrated by gangsters based in countries like Canada, Portugal, and Dubai.
The Strategy Behind the Crackdown
The Haryana STF, in a coordinated effort with district police forces, adopted a multi-pronged strategy to dismantle these extortion networks. Recognizing that fear is the primary tool for these criminals, authorities focused on reassuring potential victims. A key tactic involved proactively contacting individuals whose names were found on hit-lists or potential target lists seized from arrested associates of these gangs.
Instead of waiting for a crime to occur, police teams reached out to these businessmen, builders, and other professionals to inform them of the threat and assure them of protection. This pre-emptive move broke the cycle of intimidation. As explained by STF officials, the gangsters' power relies entirely on the victim's fear. When potential targets are empowered by police support and refuse to yield, the extortion attempt fails at its inception.
Targeting the Financial Pipeline and Associates
The crackdown extended beyond mere reassurance. Law enforcement agencies systematically targeted the operational infrastructure of these overseas-based gangs. A major focus was disrupting the financial channels used to collect and launder extortion money. By seizing assets, freezing accounts, and arresting key conduits in India, the STF strangled the economic lifeline of these operations.
Simultaneously, police intensified action against the on-ground associates of notorious gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, and Kala Jatheri. These local operatives, responsible for delivering threats, conducting reconnaissance, and collecting money, have been arrested in large numbers. The Gurugram police, for instance, have been particularly active, registering numerous cases and making arrests that have directly contributed to the declining trend in extortion crimes.
Impact and Continued Vigilance
The data speaks to the success of these measures. From a high volume of daily extortion calls reported from various districts, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR) areas like Gurugram, the numbers have plummeted. The 40% reduction marks a significant victory for public safety and business confidence in the state.
However, police officials caution that the threat is persistent. These gangsters, operating from foreign safe havens, continuously attempt to recruit new individuals into their networks to replace arrested aides. The STF emphasizes that vigilance is ongoing. Their strategy remains focused on continuous intelligence gathering, hardening potential targets against threats, and maintaining relentless pressure on the financial and logistical networks that allow these cross-border crimes to flourish.
The message from Haryana police is clear: the era of allowing overseas gangsters to terrorize citizens with impunity is over. Through coordinated, proactive, and intelligence-driven policing, they are reclaiming security and disrupting criminal enterprises that transcend international borders.
