Jammu, a city historically recognized for its religious sites and pilgrimage routes, is now confronting a growing menace: the proliferation of organized gangs. The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu police recently apprehended three individuals identified as members of the ‘Khauf’ gang. Among those arrested was Karanjit Singh, also known as Gugga, who was reportedly wanted in connection with thirteen First Information Reports (FIRs). Singh, a resident of RS Pura, was taken into custody in Delhi. He is a suspect in the murder of Sumit Jandyal, alias Gataru, another gang leader who was killed in January of the previous year. Singh has also been implicated in other cases involving alleged attempted murder, rioting, intimidation, and the unlawful possession of firearms.
Joginder Singh, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Jammu, provided details regarding Karanjit Singh’s escape. According to Singh, Karanjit had absconded from the RS Pura Observation Home in February, alongside two Pakistani inmates. The escape involved an assault on on-duty police personnel, resulting in injuries to the officers. While the Pakistani nationals were subsequently arrested, Singh managed to evade capture until his recent apprehension. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the SOG also arrested two other alleged associates of the gang from Delhi. These individuals have been identified as Naresh Kumar, alias Major, from Arnia, and Rahul Kumar, alias Sundi, from Bishnah. Naresh Kumar has a history of involvement in cases related to assault, rioting, and illegal weapon possession. Rahul Kumar is reportedly implicated in a case concerning the alleged smuggling of narcotics into jail premises and has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Prisons Act.
In recent years, the Jammu region has experienced a surge in criminal activities linked to organized gangs. These groups are not only involved in extortion rackets but are also reportedly engaged in drug smuggling operations. The issue appears to extend beyond localized disputes, with evidence pointing to broader networks. In June, the Samba police dismantled a gang that was active across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. The members of this gang were allegedly involved in extortion activities. Six individuals were arrested during this operation, and a cache of weapons and ammunition, including an AK-47 magazine and 38 live rounds, was recovered from their possession. The Tribune India reported that on September 7, the Jammu police arrested six members of the Khauf gang within a 72-hour period following a firing incident in Arnia. During this arrest, three pistols and six live rounds were seized from the accused. The influence of these organized gangs has also reportedly spread to the Kathua and Samba districts, where the ‘Shalu’ gang is known to operate as an extortion group. Another gang based in Jammu, identified as the ‘Billu’ gang, is known for its long-standing animosity with the ‘Bakra’ gang. The Tribune India reported that in 2006, underworld figure Sanjay Gupta, alias Bakra, was fatally shot in the Trikuta Nagar area of Jammu. The planning of this murder was allegedly orchestrated by rival gangster Rajesh Dogra, who is associated with the Billu gang. Rajesh Dogra himself was killed in March 2024 outside a shopping mall in Mohali, Punjab, indicating the volatile and violent nature of these inter-gang rivalries.
The escalating gang culture in Jammu presents a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies, impacting public safety and the region’s reputation. The involvement of gangs in serious crimes such as murder, extortion, and drug trafficking underscores the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to dismantle these criminal networks. The recent arrests highlight the ongoing operations by the police to curb this menace. The extent of the problem, reaching across districts and even neighboring states like Punjab, suggests a complex criminal ecosystem that requires comprehensive strategies for effective mitigation. The incidents involving the Khauf gang, the Shalu gang, and the historical rivalry between the Billu and Bakra gangs illustrate the diverse and persistent nature of organized crime in the Jammu region. Authorities are reportedly intensifying surveillance and intelligence gathering to preempt further criminal activities and bring perpetrators to justice.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.