Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court granted a two-day police custody of Jyoti Prakash also known as Jyoti alias Baba on Thursday, in connection with the recent shooting outside Raj Mandir Hyper Market in Meera Bagh, Paschim Vihar West. The incident, which occurred on November 6, involved assailants firing multiple rounds at the establishment, allegedly as part of an extortion scheme.
Jyoti Prakash is the elder brother of fugitive gangster Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu, who is reportedly operating from the United States. Authorities allege that Nandu had previously threatened the market owner, demanding extortion payments. The court, presided over by Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Ankit Karan Singh, emphasized the necessity of police custody to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy, noting the collaborative efforts between the brothers—one orchestrating activities from abroad and the other from within prison confines.
The investigating officer (IO) presented evidence indicating that approximately ten rounds were fired following an extortion demand communicated via WhatsApp. The IO requested a five-day police custody to delve deeper into the case. However, defense attorneys Deepak Sharma, Virender Mual, and Rohit Kumar Dalal opposed this request, arguing that Prakash could be interrogated while in judicial custody and expressing concerns for his safety. In response, the court directed the Station House Officer (SHO) to ensure adequate security for Prakash during his police custody.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges Delhi faces with organized crime and extortion rackets. The alleged involvement of Nandu, a notorious figure with a history of criminal activities, highlights the complexities law enforcement encounters when dealing with criminals operating from international locations. The Delhi Police have been intensifying efforts to dismantle such networks, but the transnational nature of these operations poses significant hurdles.
Delhi has recently experienced a series of shooting incidents linked to extortion attempts by organized crime groups. Notable cases include:
Naraina Car Showroom Attack (September 27, 2024): Three assailants fired over 20 rounds at ‘Car Street Mini,’ a luxury car showroom in Naraina, damaging vehicles including BMWs and a Mercedes. A note left at the scene referenced the ‘Bhau Gang,’ led by fugitive gangster Himanshu Bhau, indicating an extortion attempt.
Mahipalpur Hotel Shooting (September 27, 2024): A hotel near Indira Gandhi International Airport was targeted by gunmen who fired multiple rounds at its entrance. The attack is believed to be an extortion attempt by the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldie Brar gang, known for similar activities.
Nangloi Sweet Shop Incident (September 27, 2024): Two masked individuals on a motorcycle fired several rounds at a sweet shop in Nangloi. A note left at the scene bore the name of jailed gangster Deepak Boxer, suggesting his gang’s involvement in extortion activities.
Mukherjee Nagar Jewelry Store Firing (August 24, 2024): Bike-borne assailants fired shots outside a jewelry store in Mukherjee Nagar, leaving a note demanding Rs 1 crore in extortion, signed by the Bambiha Gang.
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Tilak Nagar Sweet Shop Attack (August 24, 2024): Gunmen fired at ‘Singla Sweets’ in Tilak Nagar. The owner had previously received a Rs 2 crore extortion demand from gangster Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu.