Ex-cop held for extortion; Canada link under probe
The Delhi Police have arrested three persons, including a former Punjab Police officer, in connection with an alleged `10-crore extortion racket targeting defence entrepreneur Sahil Luthra, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Private Limited (VTDS).
The case has assumed international dimensions with investigators zeroing in on an alleged Canada-based network. Luthra, whose company operates in India’s strategically sensitive defence manufacturing sector, received repeated threatening WhatsApp messages and calls from foreign numbers. The extortionists allegedly invoked the names of Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar and Khalistani operatives to pressure him into paying the huge sum.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, a police team arrested Jaswant Singh, a former Punjab Police officer who later joined Luthra’s company as an employee. Along with him, Shamsher Singh alias Sam and Gurpinder Singh alias Prince were also taken into custody. According to investigators, Jaswant Singh played a key role in the conspiracy by allegedly providing a mobile phone and SIM card used to send the threatening messages.
“The messages clearly mentioned that the `10 crore should be transferred to certain individuals based in Canada,” a senior police official said. “We are now examining the financial trail, digital footprints and possible overseas handlers who may have directed or benefited from the plot.”
The probe has revealed that the accused allegedly conspired to exploit Luthra’s position in the defence industry. Officials are analysing call detail records, international messaging apps, and financial data to uncover the full extent of the network. Indications of involvement of more persons, both in India and abroad, have also surfaced.
The emergence of a Canada connection has added urgency to the investigation. Agencies are exploring possibilities of coordination with international law enforcement to trace the recipients and understand whether the extortion attempt was part of a larger syndicate operating across borders.
The defence sector angle has raised concerns over potential threats to national security-related enterprises. Police are conducting thorough background checks on the arrested individuals and examining their links with known criminal elements.
The investigation is progressing rapidly with technical support from cyber cells. Further arrests are expected as more evidence emerges.
All three accused are currently in police custody and being interrogated. As per legal norms, their guilt or innocence will be decided by the court after a fair trial.