Punjab police busts extortion racket backed by gangster Gurdev Jassal; ASI among two held

In a significant breakthrough aimed at ensuring Punjab’s safety and security under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Batala Police has dismantled a major extortion network linked to USA-based gangster Gurdev Jassal.

Two operatives, including Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Surjit Singh, who was stationed in Batala, have been arrested. Authorities have seized Rs 83 lakh in extortion money, illegal firearms, and luxury vehicles, according to Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday.

The second arrested individual has been identified as Ankus Maini, a resident of Kalanaur in Gurdaspur.

DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that preliminary investigations revealed that on February 4, Jassal’s associates fired shots at a petrol pump owned by a businessman from Kalanaur, aiming to intimidate him and demand extortion money. After persistent threats and a demand of Rs 1 crore, the businessman ultimately paid Rs 50 lakh on February 11.

He further explained that Jassal’s gang used international phone numbers to issue threats and coordinate payments, ensuring the money was transferred through multiple intermediaries. The investigation confirmed that ASI Surjit Singh and Ankus Maini played key roles in collecting and distributing the extorted funds.

The DGP also announced that ASI Surjit Singh has been dismissed from service under Article 311(2) of the Indian Constitution. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover additional connections in the case.

Providing details of the operation, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Batala Suhail Qasim Mir revealed that intelligence inputs had been received regarding the involvement of a local police officer in handling extortion money.

Acting on these inputs, a police operation was launched, resulting in the arrest of the ASI. Following his confession about hidden funds at his residence, officers conducted a raid at his home in Harnam Nagar, Batala, uncovering Rs 76.32 lakh in cash stored in a concealed compartment. The ASI initially claimed the money was sent by his son, who resides in the USA.

During the technical investigation, police tracked down the individual who handed the money to the ASI, leading to the arrest of Ankus Maini. Upon interrogation, Ankus admitted that the money he gave to the ASI was extortion money collected on behalf of Gurdev Jassal.

Authorities also recovered Rs 5.91 lakh, a .32 bore pistol with two cartridges, and impounded a black Mahindra Scorpio (PB-11-CU-1000) from his possession.

Further findings suggest that ASI Surjit Singh’s two sons were in direct contact with Gurdev Jassal, assisting in transferring extortion proceeds to the gangster in return for a share of the profits.

Using these funds, the ASI had recently purchased two plots and a Toyota Fortuner Legender, which has since been impounded by the police.

A case has been registered under FIR No. 14 dated 14/2/2025 at Police Station Sadar Batala under Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Later, additional charges under Sections 308(2), 111, and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 25 of the Arms Act, were added.