Crime – Delhi Police Bust International Arms And Extortion Network
Crime – Delhi Police have apprehended a 31-year-old man believed to be a significant player in an international arms smuggling and terror-linked network. The accused, identified as Harshpal Singh, also known as Rubal, is said to have close ties with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Rohit Godara, according to officials familiar with the case.
Arrest and Seizures in Ongoing Probe
Authorities confirmed that one sophisticated firearm along with five live cartridges was recovered from the accused. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown that has so far led to the detention of 13 individuals. Investigators have seized 24 advanced foreign-made weapons and 216 live cartridges during the operation. Relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have been invoked, indicating the seriousness of the charges. Officials also stated that preliminary findings suggest the involvement of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, in supporting the network.
Role Within the Network
Police officials revealed that Rubal operated a restaurant in Krishna Nagar and maintained close contact with co-accused Nishant Arora, also known as Noni, who had been arrested earlier. Investigators believe Rubal was actively involved in receiving illegal arms consignments routed through Arora. His role is being examined as a critical link in the distribution chain of weapons within the network.
International Connections and Meetings
The investigation indicates that Rubal’s involvement deepened after he traveled abroad in 2023. During a visit to Dubai, he allegedly established contact with Rashid, also known as Cable, a known associate of the Bishnoi–Godara syndicate. Officials said this meeting was facilitated by a common contact, Aakash Chauhan. Dubai has increasingly come under scrutiny as a hub where absconding criminals coordinate operations targeting individuals in India.
Following this, Rubal reportedly traveled to Bangkok, where he met Rashid in person. These international connections are now being examined as part of a larger network operating across borders, with handlers directing activities remotely.
Use of Online Platforms for Criminal Activities
Investigators have also linked Rubal to online gambling operations. These platforms, according to officials, served a dual purpose—generating funds and enabling contact with individuals connected to organized crime. Through these digital networks, he allegedly built connections with people facing extortion threats as well as those orchestrating such activities from outside India.
Police believe these online ecosystems played a key role in expanding the network’s reach and facilitating communication between operatives and victims.
Alleged Role in Extortion Cases
After establishing ties within the syndicate, Rubal is suspected to have acted as a mediator in extortion cases. Victims, often business owners and financially stable individuals, reportedly received threatening calls from international numbers claiming association with the gang.
According to officials, Rubal, along with an associate identified as Deepak alias Mama, would approach these victims posing as intermediaries capable of negotiating settlements. This arrangement allegedly positioned him as a crucial link between the victims in India and handlers operating from abroad.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing to examine the full extent of the network, including its financial channels, international links, and potential involvement in other criminal activities. Officials have indicated that more arrests and recoveries may follow as the investigation progresses.
The case highlights the evolving nature of organized crime, where international coordination, digital platforms, and illegal arms trafficking intersect to create complex challenges for law enforcement agencies.