Gurgaon: Police investigations into the firing outside the residence of singer Fazilpuria’s former manager have revealed an alleged gangster conspiracy involving foreign-based handlers, smuggled weapons, hired shooters, and even a 14-year-old schoolboy allegedly used as a courier for advance payment.
Crime Branch teams arrested Gursher Singh alias Shera, 23, and Jaspal alias Babbal, 28, both residents of Tarn Taran in Punjab, in connection with the May 2 firing outside the Sector 45 residence of Saurabh Yadav, the former manager of singer Fazilpuria.
Police said Gursher was later killed on May 11 while allegedly attempting to escape from police custody.
According to investigators, fugitive gangster Satta Naushera, a close associate of designated terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa, had allegedly offered the shooters Rs 20 lakh to kill Yadav.
Police said the accused received Rs 1.4 lakh in advance in two instalments. Investigators claim that Rs 1 lakh of the advance payment was delivered near the Amritsar bus stand through a 14-year-old schoolboy allegedly recruited into the operation. The remaining amount was reportedly to be paid after the murder was carried out.
Officials also said the shooters were supplied with three Glock pistols that had allegedly been smuggled into India from Pakistan via drones through a cross-border weapons network.
According to police, the accused never directly met the courier who delivered the weapons. Instead, the firearms were allegedly left at a designated location in Amritsar around two months before the attack.
Investigators believe the attack was planned over nearly a month.
“They remained in constant contact with Satta and prepared for the operation for several weeks. Gursher had previously carried out a firing incident in Punjab on Satta’s instructions and was already named in an attempt-to-murder case there,” a police officer said.
Police said the accused came to Gurgaon intending to target Yadav and allegedly opened fire outside his residence to create panic.
Constable Kulbir, who had been deployed outside the house following extortion-related complaints, sustained minor graze injuries on his hands and legs during the incident.
Investigators said Babbal was allegedly riding the motorcycle while Gursher, seated pillion, opened fire.
Police are also probing the alleged role of gangster Deepak Nandal, described as a music producer-turned-gangster, in planning the attack. Investigators suspect the firing may have stemmed from a financial dispute.
According to police, Nandal allegedly came into contact with Satta Naushera and was assured assistance in eliminating Yadav.
“There is a possibility that Nandal provided financial support to the Satta Naushera gang, which is involved in smuggling weapons into India through Punjab with assistance from associates based in Pakistan,” an officer said.
Both Satta Naushera and Deepak Nandal have reportedly claimed responsibility for the firing. Police are now investigating how the two allegedly established contact.
Lakhbir Singh Landa was declared a terrorist by the Union home ministry in December 2023. Police said Satta Naushera, who carries a reward of Rs 5 lakh, is accused of supplying smuggled weapons to gang members across Punjab and neighbouring states.
An FIR has been registered under charges including attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, extortion, voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty, and provisions of the Arms Act.
