Ludhiana: police have exposed an organised extortion, drug, and weapons syndicate operated by a fugitive local criminal hiding in Europe.The gang, directed overseas by Namit Sharma, targeted prominent businessmen across Punjab. Local operatives utilised armed intimidation, including targeted gunfire, to extort massive payouts. Authorities revealed the network was also heavily involved in cross-border smuggling operations involving illicit drugs and firearms.A case has been registered against Sharma and five identified local associates under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’s stringent organised crime and extortion provisions, alongside the Arms Act and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A multi-agency manhunt is on to apprehend the suspects.
