60 bullets, four gangsters dead: The encounter that exposed Deepak Nandal's criminal empire

GURGAON: Around 40 rounds echoed through the dead of the night as Haryana Police engaged in a fierce gun battle with suspected members of the notorious Deepak Nandal gang in Gurgaon.By the time the smoke cleared, four shooters lay dead, three policemen were injured, and a kidnapped businessman had been rescued from captivity.The dramatic encounter has once again thrown the spotlight on Deepak Nandal — a man who once produced Haryanvi chartbusters and rubbed shoulders with music industry stars, but is now one of north India's most wanted gangsters, accused of orchestrating extortion rackets, contract killings and targeted shootings from abroad.

From music producer to fugitive gangster

Until a few years ago, Deepak Nandal was known in Haryana's music circuit as a producer associated with popular Haryanvi artistes, including Rahul Fazilpuria.According to police, the two shared a close professional relationship before a bitter financial dispute turned them into sworn enemies.Investigators say Nandal later fled India — first to Dubai and is now suspected to be operating from the United Kingdom — from where he allegedly runs an organised extortion network targeting businessmen, builders and former associates.

The fallout with Rahul Fazilpuria

Police believe Nandal's violent transformation became publicly visible after the attack on singer Rahul Fazilpuria earlier this year.Following the shooting, a social media post allegedly issued in the names of Deepak Nandal, Sunil Sardhania and Inderjit Yadav claimed responsibility for the attack.The post alleged that Fazilpuria had borrowed Rs 5 crore from Nandal and failed to repay it.It also warned that if the money was not returned, one of the singer's close associates would be targeted every month.Fazilpuria survived the attack, but investigators say it marked the beginning of an escalating cycle of violence allegedly directed by Nandal.

Accountant shot dead

The threats were followed by the daylight murder of Rohit Shokeen, Fazilpuria's accountant and financier, in Gurgaon.According to investigators, Shokeen was allegedly lured to a meeting on the pretext of recovering money owed to him before being ambushed and shot dead by assailants linked to the gang.Police believe the murder stemmed from an old financial dispute after Nandal allegedly failed to repay money borrowed from Shokeen several years earlier.

Bullets at manager's house

The violence did not stop there.Gunmen later opened fire at the residence of Saurabh Yadav, Fazilpuria's manager, in Gurgaon's Kanhai village.Soon afterwards, another social media post surfaced claiming responsibility in the names of Deepak Nandal and Satta Naushera, while warning that more attacks would follow.

Builders, businessmen and extortion

Police claim that Nandal has steadily expanded beyond personal vendettas into organised extortion.His name has surfaced in the recent firing at the office of MNR Buildmark in Gurgaon's Sector 45, where nearly 30 rounds were fired.Investigators believe the attack was intended to pressure people whom Nandal accused of withholding his money.Authorities also claim the gangster has demanded huge extortion sums from businessmen, builders and property dealers across Haryana and Delhi.Most recently, police are probing allegations that Sufi singer Bismil received a Rs 5 crore extortion demand allegedly linked to Nandal's syndicate.

Operating from overseas

Investigators believe Nandal has built a network that relies on local operatives to conduct reconnaissance, execute shootings and intimidate targets, while he remains outside India.Police say social media has become a key tool for the gang, with responsibility for attacks often claimed through online posts carrying threats against victims and warnings to others.

Fresh spotlight after Gurgaon encounter

The latest police encounter, in which four alleged gang members were killed while allegedly holding a businessman hostage, is being seen as one of the biggest blows to Nandal's network in recent months.Even so, investigators believe the gang's leadership continues to operate from overseas, with financial disputes, extortion and contract violence remaining central to its operations.Authorities say efforts are continuing to dismantle the network and trace Nandal's international links.(With agency inputs)