By Sukhjinder Singh Sahota, Faridkot | September 12, 2025
Faridkot once again witnessed the shadow of organised crime on Friday when police teams escorting an accused from the Davinder Bambiha gang came under fire during a weapon recovery operation. The incident, which ended with retaliatory police fire leaving the gangster injured, has highlighted how deep-rooted the extortion economy and gun culture remain in Punjab’s Malwa belt despite repeated crackdowns.
The Incident: Recovery Turns Violent
According to senior officials, the operation was part of an ongoing probe into a ₹1 crore extortion case reported earlier this year in Kotkapura. Police had arrested three operatives of the Bambiha gang last week, including Ramjot Singh alias Jot, a resident of Moga, known for multiple criminal cases.
On Friday, the police team took Jot to Dhilwan-Sivia Road canal to recover a pistol he had allegedly hidden. Instead of cooperating, he reportedly pulled out the weapon and opened fire. In the exchange, police shot him in the leg, subdued him, and recovered a .32 bore pistol along with live cartridges.
“Zero tolerance is our policy. The accused tried to escape and fired first; we retaliated to protect the force,” said Dr. Pragya Jain, SSP Faridkot, confirming the recovery of the weapon.
Crime Trail and Extortion Pattern
The backstory stretches to April 29, 2025, when FIR No. 95 was registered at Police Station City Kotkapura after gang operatives threatened a businessman to pay ₹1 crore. When the demand went unmet, assailants fired outside the victim’s house on September 1 to intimidate the family.
Police investigations, led by SP (Investigation) Sandeep Kumar and DSPs Arun Mundan and Jatinder Singh, cracked the case using technical surveillance and human intelligence. On September 7, two accused — Sandeep Singh alias Lovely and Ramjot Singh alias Jot — were caught from Kotkapura’s Lakkar Dana Mandi. Another accused, Malkit Singh, currently facing five criminal cases, was brought on production warrant from Central Jail Faridkot for his role in supplying weapons.
Further interrogation pointed towards Sima Behbal and Jass Bahibal, both carrying forward the Bambiha gang’s legacy, as the masterminds behind the extortion attempt.
Criminal Past of the Accused
The arrested men were not first-timers.
Ramjot Singh alias Jot: Previously booked in three cases under the NDPS Act and Arms Act. He had walked out of Faridkot Jail only on July 30, 2025, just a month before this confrontation. • FIR No. 120 dated 15.06.2024 u/s 21/61/85 NDPS Act, PS City Moga. • FIR No. 72 dated 21.10.2024 u/s 25 Arms Act, PS Ajitwal (Moga). • FIR No. 126 dated 14.06.2025 u/s 25(6)(7)(1) Arms Act, 111(2) BNS, PS City Moga
Malkit Singh: Facing five criminal cases, including attempt to murder. FIR No. 53 dated 29.03.2024 u/s 379(B)/411 IPC, PS City Moga
Sandeep Singh alias Lovely: Involved in at least one serious criminal offence. • FIR No. 47 dated 30.03.2022 u/s 21 NDPS Act, PS Baghapurana (Moga). • FIR No. 94 dated 12.11.2022 u/s 25/27 Arms Act, 307, 386, 506, 511, 34 IPC, PS Talwandi Bhai (Ferozepur). • FIR No. 05 dated 11.01.2023 u/s 25 Arms Act, PS Mehna (Moga). • FIR No. 50 dated 15.06.2024 u/s 25/27 Arms Act, 307, 34 IPC, PS Mehna (Moga). • FIR No. 52 dated 12.03.2025 u/s 25/54/59 Arms Act, 109, 221, 132 BNS, PS City Moga.
The Bigger Picture: Why the Bambiha Gang Still Matters
The Davinder Bambiha gang, once rival to the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, continues to operate in Punjab through proxy members despite top leaders being killed or jailed. Its business model thrives on extortion calls to businessmen, contractors, and even doctors. Investigators say the Kotkapura case follows a familiar script: demand, warning fire, and then attempts to collect through fear.
Officials acknowledge that gangs like Bambiha’s have been quick to exploit gaps left by local policing, using youth from districts like Moga, Faridkot, and Bathinda who are already vulnerable due to drug abuse and unemployment.
Political and Administrative Response
The crackdown comes under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s declared drive to make Punjab “crime-free.” DGP Gaurav Yadav has repeatedly emphasised “zero tolerance against gangsters.” Yet, incidents like Friday’s shootout suggest that while arrests are made, gang networks keep replenishing themselves.
“Every time a big arrest happens, two new recruits are waiting in the background. Unless the financial roots of extortion and illegal arms supply are cut, this cycle won’t stop,” a senior officer (not wishing to be named) told Samvad Patar.
What Lies Ahead
Dr. Pragya Jain, SSP confirmed that the investigation is still in progress and police are working to nab other associates. She assured the public that law and order will be upheld firmly.
For Faridkot residents, however, the firing episode serves as a reminder that gang culture is far from eliminated in Punjab. The road ahead may demand not just police action but also long-term policy measures to address youth radicalisation, narcotics trade, and the easy flow of illegal arms.
📢 Stay Connected With Us!
Get the latest news, analysis, and updates directly on your phone:
-
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant alerts
-
🌐 Facebook: fb.com/samvad88news
-
🐦 Twitter/X: twitter.com/samvad88news
-
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/samvad88news
-
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@Samvad88news
Be part of our community and never miss a story.
