A recent firing incident in New Chandigarh has once again raised concerns about the rising number of extortion-linked attacks in the Chandigarh tricity area, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. The attack took place just 15 days after a property dealer was shot dead in broad daylight in Chandigarh, pointing to a worrying trend of violence connected to organised crime.
Police officials believe that the latest attack may be linked to gangster networks that are trying to pressure businessmen and property dealers through threats and violence. The situation has created fear among residents and raised serious questions about law and order in the region.
The latest incident happened outside the house of a property dealer in Hoshiarpur village, located in New Chandigarh. According to the police, two men on a motorcycle fired multiple shots outside the residence. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, but it was clearly meant to send a warning.
Investigators say that the victim had received a call around 10 days earlier, demanding ₹1 crore. The caller allegedly claimed to be gangster Lucky Patial. When the demand was not met, the attackers reportedly carried out the firing to pressure the victim.
Police recovered empty .32-bore shells from the spot and registered a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including extortion, criminal conspiracy, and acts endangering life. Sections of the Arms Act have also been applied.
This incident is not an isolated case. Over the past few months, several businessmen and property dealers in Chandigarh and Mohali have reported receiving extortion calls. In many cases, the demands have been as high as ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore.
In Baltana, a property dealer reported receiving threats from a caller claiming to be linked to another gangster group. Similarly, a jeweller in Chandigarh and a resident of Sector 79 also received extortion threats through WhatsApp messages. These repeated incidents suggest a pattern where criminals are targeting individuals with financial resources.
Police believe that these gangs are using fear tactics to force victims into paying money. When demands are not met, they carry out attacks like firing or even murder to set an example.
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The recent firing has become more alarming because it comes soon after a deadly shooting in Chandigarh’s Sector 9 market. On March 18, a 31-year-old property dealer was shot dead in broad daylight. Soon after the incident, gangster Lucky Patial claimed responsibility on social media.
Authorities say Patial is associated with the Davinder Bambiha gang, a known criminal network operating in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Reports suggest that he is currently based abroad and continues to run his network from there.
The gang has also been linked to other high-profile crimes, including the killing of a kabaddi promoter in Mohali in December 2025. These incidents show how organised crime groups are expanding their reach and becoming more aggressive.
In response, police have stepped up their efforts. Several arrests have been made in recent months in connection with extortion and firing cases. In one case, three accused were arrested for firing outside a businessman’s house after he refused to pay ₹5 crore. Police said the attackers were acting on instructions from gang leaders.
In the kabaddi promoter murder case, the main shooter was later killed in a police encounter, while other suspects are still being tracked. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their efforts to dismantle these criminal networks.
In the latest New Chandigarh firing case, multiple police teams have been formed. Officers are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to trace the route taken by the attackers. They are also trying to identify the motorcycle used in the crime and track down the suspects.
Officials say they are also examining whether this attack is part of a larger pattern of extortion-related crimes in the tricity. The use of similar methods in different cases suggests that these incidents may be connected.
Apart from arrests, police are also focusing on prevention. Increased patrolling, surveillance, and intelligence gathering are being carried out in sensitive areas. Authorities are also urging people to report any suspicious calls or threats immediately.
Despite these efforts, the rising number of incidents has created concern among residents. Business owners, especially in the real estate sector, are feeling increasingly vulnerable. Many are worried that refusing to pay extortion demands could put their lives at risk.
Experts believe that tackling this issue will require a strong and coordinated approach. This includes better intelligence sharing between states, stricter action against gang networks, and faster investigation of cases.
In conclusion, the recent spike in extortion-linked attacks in the Chandigarh tricity area highlights a serious law and order challenge. While police are taking action, the growing influence of organised crime groups remains a major concern. Ensuring safety and restoring public confidence will require sustained efforts and strict enforcement in the coming months.
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