In a significant crackdown on criminal-terrorist activities, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at nine locations in Punjab on Thursday, targeting associates of the designated terrorist Goldy Brar. This action comes a day after the NIA filed a chargesheet against Brar in connection with the murder of the Karni Sena chief, an ongoing investigation linked to extortion and firing incidents in Chandigarh.
The raids were carried out at the premises of individuals associated with Goldy Brar and his aides. The locations targeted included Mohali, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh Sahib. The NIA has made a public appeal for information regarding Goldy Brar and his gang, releasing telephone numbers for the public to report any knowledge about the terrorist or threats received from his associates. Information can be shared on the landline number 0172-2682901 or mobile number 7743002947 via Telegram or WhatsApp. The NIA has assured that the identity of informers will be kept confidential.
This fresh wave of raids is part of NIA’s ongoing investigation into case RC-03/2024/NIA/DLI, which involves extortion demands and gunshots fired at a residence in Chandigarh. Originally registered by local police on January 20, 2024, the case was taken over by the NIA on March 18.
“Today’s searches covered the districts of Mohali, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, as part of NIA’s sustained crackdown on individual terrorists engaged in criminal-terrorist activities in India. Incriminating material including digital devices have been seized,” stated the NIA.
Investigations so far have uncovered that Goldy Brar, along with an associate named Goldy from Rajpura, Punjab, had orchestrated a criminal conspiracy to extort money from businessmen in Punjab, Chandigarh, and surrounding areas. The NIA revealed that Brar’s network was also involved in providing arms and ammunition to terrorist gangs and engaged in the smuggling and sale of narcotics. Proceeds from these illicit activities were channelled to support their operations.
Furthermore, the NIA has found that Goldy Brar and his overseas associates have been actively recruiting vulnerable youth into their gangs. These recruits were used to identify extortion targets, intimidate them by firing shots in front of their homes, and involve them in the sale and purchase of narcotics and weapons smuggling.
The NIA has reiterated its commitment to dismantling the terrorist gangster nexus operating within the country. This recent operation underscores the agency’s relentless efforts to curb criminal-terrorist activities and ensure the safety and security of the nation.
As the investigation progresses, the NIA continues to call upon the public to assist by providing any information that could aid in bringing these perpetrators to justice. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the community remain crucial in the fight against terrorism and organized crime.
