Chandigarh: A Punjab Police inspector has been arrested in connection with an alleged ₹4 crore extortion case that has drawn attention due to its reported links with organised crime syndicates operating across India and abroad. The accused officer, Gurindrajit Singh Nagra, who was serving as Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur district, was taken into custody after an internal investigation found sufficient grounds to proceed against him.
The case stems from allegations that a local family was threatened and pressured to pay a hefty sum of money. Investigators suspect that the demand was connected to criminal networks associated with jailed gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, whose international operations have remained under the scanner of law enforcement agencies.
The matter reportedly surfaced during the FBI-led “Operation Hard Ball,” an investigation aimed at dismantling transnational organised crime networks. Information shared during the operation is believed to have prompted Punjab Police to closely examine the allegations involving the officer.
After the claims came to light, senior police officials shifted Nagra from active field duty to the Police Lines while a departmental inquiry was initiated. The probe was supervised by senior officers to verify the accusations and examine any possible nexus between the officer and criminal elements.
Based on the findings of the investigation, Punjab Police registered a criminal case against the inspector late on Friday. The charges include extortion along with provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Following the registration of the FIR, the officer was formally arrested for further questioning.
Officials have indicated that the investigation will also focus on identifying whether any other individuals, including police personnel or members of organised crime groups, were involved in the alleged extortion racket. Digital records, financial transactions and communication details are expected to be examined as part of the ongoing probe.
The arrest has raised serious concerns over the possible infiltration of criminal networks into law enforcement institutions. Senior police authorities have maintained that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, regardless of rank, and that the investigation will continue until every aspect of the case is uncovered.
