Punjab traders live in fear as extortion calls see steady rise

Punjab has witnessed a rise in extortion calls from abroad to traders and businessmen this year. Terrorists and gangsters overseas are using local henchmen to intimidate traders. Gangsters are attempting to create fear within the business community by firing at their houses and offices.

Officially, 1,133 extortion and threat calls were reported in three years since 2022. Many extortion calls go also unreported due to fear. In 2022, there were 480 calls and in 2023 there were 512. Till July this year, 141 calls were made.

This year, over 22 people have been arrested in connection with extortion cases. After the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, a number of extortion calls were made using the names of gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. Most of these calls came from local small-time criminals who leverage on the names of bigger gangsters. Last year, the Punjab Police arrested 20 such individuals.

Terrorists and gangsters such as Lakhbir Singh, Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi are prominent names behind these extortion demands. Many traders, fearing for their lives, are forced to pay the extortion amounts without informing the police.

The police are emphasizing the importance of reporting extortion calls promptly to help capture those using gangsters’ names for extortion.