Chandigarh: The wave of intimidation against the Punjabi entertainment industry and business community reached a new high this week as a close business associate of renowned singer Parmish Verma became the latest target of a massive extortion attempt. According to police reports, the associate received a threatening phone call from an individual claiming to be Harry Boxer, a prominent member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The caller demanded a staggering ransom of ₹10 crore, threatening lethal consequences for the businessman, his associates, and their families if the payment was not made promptly.
The victim, identified as Harvinder Singh, formally approached the authorities after the caller issued a chilling ultimatum, stating that failure to comply would result in a targeted attack on his life and the lives of those close to him. This incident has sent shockwaves through the local business circle in Ludhiana, where the threats originated. The caller reportedly emphasized his affiliation with the Bishnoi syndicate to instill fear, a tactic that has become increasingly common in recent high-profile extortion cases across northern India.
In response to the complaint, the Sarabha Nagar Police Station in Ludhiana has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against an unidentified individual under several relevant sections of the law. Local law enforcement officials have launched a technical investigation to trace the origin of the call and verify the identity of the person claiming to be Harry Boxer. Security around the complainant has been tightened as police work to determine the credibility of the threat and its potential links to the wider organized crime network operating within the state.
This latest threat highlights the persistent security challenges faced by individuals associated with the Punjabi music and film industry. Despite ongoing crackdowns on gang activity, the recurring nature of these extortion demands suggests that organized criminal elements continue to exert pressure on high-net-worth individuals and celebrities. The Ludhiana police have urged the public to report any suspicious calls immediately and have assured the community that they are taking all necessary measures to dismantle the communication channels used by these criminal groups.
