New Delhi: Delhi is witnessing a troubling surge in extortion rackets operated by overseas gangsters, with leading businessmen increasingly being targeted through threat calls and gunfire. The latest incident, a late-night firing outside a gym in West Delhi, has once again exposed the reach of foreign-based criminal syndicates operating through local shooters.
The incident occurred around 11:30 pm outside “RK Fitness” gym in West Delhi, owned by businessman Rohit Khatri. Unknown assailants opened fire outside the premises before fleeing the scene. Police have secured video footage and photographs of the firing, along with physical evidence collected from the spot.
Threat Message Linked to Overseas Gang
Soon after the firing, a threatening message surfaced on social media, allegedly issued by members linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, many of whom are believed to be operating from abroad. Investigators say such messages are part of a broader extortion strategy, where businessmen are first contacted via calls demanding money.
According to police sources, failure to respond to these calls often results in targeted firing incidents, meant to intimidate victims into compliance.
Police Investigation Underway
Delhi Police teams reached the spot immediately after the firing and recovered spent cartridges, which have been sealed and sent for forensic examination. CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the gym has also been seized and is being analysed to identify the shooters and their escape route.
Senior officers said efforts are underway to establish the exact chain linking the local shooters to foreign-based handlers, with technical surveillance and digital evidence playing a key role.
Ongoing Challenge for Law Enforcement
While Delhi Police have previously dismantled multiple organised crime syndicates and arrested several shooters, officials admit that foreign-operated gang networks continue to pose a serious challenge. With handlers sitting outside the country, these syndicates exploit technology and local criminals to execute extortion threats remotely.
The renewed spate of threats and firing incidents at the start of the new year has heightened concerns within law-enforcement agencies, particularly over the safety of Delhi’s business community.
Bigger Security Concern
Investigators say the RK Fitness firing is not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of extortion-linked violence, where gunfire is used as a warning mechanism. Police maintain that with the available CCTV footage, forensic evidence and digital trail, the shooters will be identified soon.
However, officials concede that combating overseas-controlled extortion rackets remains one of the biggest security challenges facing Delhi Police in 2026.
