Mohali Police Arrest Two Shooters Linked to Gangster Lucky Patial in Extortion Cases
In a significant breakthrough, the CIA staff of Mohali Police have apprehended two alleged shooters with connections to notorious gangster Gaurav Patial, widely known as Lucky Patial. The arrests are linked to a series of firing and extortion cases reported across the district throughout 2024. According to police officials, the accused had been evading capture since the previous year, making their detention a crucial step in dismantling criminal operations.
Identities and Criminal Histories of the Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Koki, aged 34, a resident of Padhol village under the Mullanpur Garibdas police station in Mohali, and Gurdeep Singh alias Gill, aged 28, from Gill Patti Kothe Chand Giddri village in Maur, falling under the Sehna police station in Barnala district. Both suspects have been remanded to three days of police custody for intensive interrogation.
Investigations reveal that Gurpreet Singh has a substantial criminal record, with at least nine cases registered against him in Mohali, Barnala, and Panchkula districts. These charges span a range of serious offences, including:
- Firing incidents
- Assault and physical violence
- Arms-related violations
- Robbery and theft
- Extortion and intimidation
In contrast, Gurdeep Singh faces three cases in Barnala and Mohali districts, primarily involving extortion and other criminal activities. Their backgrounds underscore the persistent threat posed by organized crime networks in the region.
Details of the 2024 Firing Incidents
SP (Investigation) Saurav Jindal provided insights into the specific cases connected to the arrests. The accused were allegedly involved in multiple shooting incidents at residences and vehicles in Mullanpur village and Phase 11, Mohali, during 2024. These acts of violence were reportedly executed under the direct orders of gangster Lucky Patial, aimed at extorting money from targeted victims.
One prominent case dates back to January 31, 2024, following a complaint by Taranjit Kaur, a resident near Tobha village in Mullanpur Garibdas. She reported that unidentified assailants fired shots at her house and a Toyota Fortuner parked outside. Police investigations revealed that her husband, a property dealer, had received a ransom call from Lucky Patial on January 30, 2024, demanding Rs 1 crore. When the payment was not made, the shooters allegedly attacked their property. A case was registered at Mullanpur police station under relevant IPC sections and the Arms Act against the gangster and unknown perpetrators.
Another incident occurred on March 21, 2024, when a Phase-11 resident filed a complaint about gunfire outside her residence during the night of February 20–21. Initially mistaken for firecrackers, the incident came to light after a family member noticed the shooting near a parked Ford Endeavour vehicle. A case was subsequently registered at Phase-11 police station under IPC sections related to endangering life and property damage, along with provisions of the Arms Act.
Interrogation and Ongoing Investigations
During preliminary questioning, the arrested shooters confessed to acting on the behest of gangster Lucky Patial, who is believed to be operating from abroad. "They carried out firing incidents to create fear among victims and to force them to pay extortion money," stated SP Saurav Jindal. This revelation highlights the transnational nature of the criminal network and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
Police authorities plan to utilize the custodial interrogation period to recover the weapons allegedly used in these crimes and to establish connections with other firing and extortion incidents reported in the area. Additionally, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend additional associates linked to Lucky Patial's gang. Officials have confirmed that further investigation is actively progressing to ensure comprehensive justice and prevent future criminal activities.
The arrests mark a significant step in curbing organized crime in Mohali, but police vigilance remains high as they continue to probe deeper into the gang's operations and international links.
