New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Punjab is grappling with a disturbing trend of remote control murders, escalating into a severe security crisis. Investigations indicate that the murder of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Lucky Oberoi is tied to a criminal syndicate operating from abroad, which has been inciting violence across Punjab.

Over recent years, gangsters have unleashed chaos in Punjab. These international criminal organizations have employed numerous local gangsters, executing political assassinations and running extortion schemes.

The crime network has grown so formidable that the ISI has engaged them to advance the Khalistan agenda.

This development prompted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the nexus between gangsters and terrorists.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau stated that this alliance significantly benefits the gangster network. The ISI guarantees them an uninterrupted supply of drugs, which these groups distribute worldwide.

The arrangement between the ISI and these gangsters mirrors that of Dawood Ibrahim. The ISI struck a deal with Dawood, ensuring that 40% of the profits from drug trafficking would go to the agency, which in turn funds terrorism.

Similarly, in Punjab, the funds from drug sales are being utilized to support the Khalistani agenda.

An official noted that the overseas criminal syndicate effectively operates due to the substantial number of gangsters they have recruited in Punjab.

On Monday, the Punjab Police launched Operation Prayer-2, resulting in the arrest of 1,100 individuals. The second phase of this operation, termed ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’, involved 10,000 police personnel.

Widespread raids were executed at residences, hideouts, and other sites associated with gangsters statewide. In the initial phase of this operation, Punjab Police apprehended 4,871 individuals and arrested 3,256 gangsters.

The Punjab Police indicated that further operations are planned in the following days, with thousands of gangsters anticipated to be arrested.

Another official emphasized that effective coordination between the Centre and the state is vital. Central agencies are already collaborating with their counterparts in the US and Canada to dismantle gangster networks.

The NIA is spearheading this operation, working on two fronts with a focus on both domestic and international aspects, as per the official.

In the case of Lucky Oberoi's murder, it was discovered that the crime was orchestrated by Jugraj Singh, also known as Joga Phloriwal, a notorious gangster.

Originally from Jalandhar, he is currently believed to be operating from either Canada or the US.

Officials report that the situation regarding gangster networks has deteriorated significantly. For a long time, many nations were uncooperative with New Delhi, allowing international syndicates to expand their operations unchecked.

Moreover, the steady influx of funds into Punjab facilitated rapid recruitment. The support from the ISI is another advantage these gangsters enjoy, officials stated.

This year, Punjab has garnered attention once again, as a series of murders, including that of Lucky Oberoi, indicates a decline in law and order.

Opposition parties are challenging the AAP government for its failure to curb these killings and the increasing threats of extortion.

Between November 2025 and January 2026, six targeted killings have been reported in the state.

These murders, primarily linked to non-compliance with extortion demands, have heightened fear among the business community, which feels vulnerable. They allege that these gangsters operate with impunity, issuing threats from abroad and orchestrating murders through local shooters.