Paharganj Case, In a major breakthrough against organised crime, Delhi Police has successfully dismantled an interstate extortion gang involved in a high-profile extortion-cum-firing incident in the Paharganj area of Central Delhi, one of the most commercially sensitive localities in Paharganj. The meticulously planned operation led to the arrest of five accused persons, including the prime shooter, key conspirators, and local facilitators who allegedly conspired to spread fear among builders and businessmen in the area.
The case, investigated by Police Station Nabi Karim and the Special Staff of Central District, highlights a well-orchestrated criminal conspiracy operating in and around Paharganj. involving interstate criminals acting in connivance with local builders and hoteliers. Through a combination of technical surveillance, CCTV analysis, call detail records (CDRs), hotel records, electronic evidence and human intelligence, the police were able to unravel the entire network behind the violent extortion attempt.
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Incident That Triggered the Investigation
The case dates back to June 29, 2026, when an incident of extortion and firing was reported at Police Station Nabi Karim. The complainant, Mahesh Chand, a private builder, alleged that an armed assailant entered his office located at Arya Nagar, Paharganj, a densely populated commercial pocket of Paharganj, and demanded an extortion amount , and demanded an extortion amount of ₹30 lakh, including ₹5 lakh as immediate payment.
According to the complaint, the accused threatened Mahesh Chand by claiming that his accomplices were already positioned nearby and were awaiting his signal. When the complainant refused to comply with the extortion demand, the assailant allegedly opened fire with the intention to kill before fleeing the spot.
Following the incident, FIR No. 297/2026 was registered, triggering heightened security and surveillance across Paharganj. under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, and an intensive investigation was launched without delay.
Formation of Special Teams and Investigation Strategy
Considering the gravity and brazenness of the offence, multiple dedicated teams were constituted under the close supervision of ACP Paharganj, keeping in view the sensitive law-and-order situation in Paharganj. Officers from Police Station Nabi Karim and Special Staff, Central District, were tasked with identifying the shooters, tracing the conspiracy, and apprehending all those involved.
The investigation commenced with a detailed examination of the crime scene, followed by extensive scrutiny of CCTV footage from nearby locations. Simultaneously, technical surveillance, mobile phone analysis, hotel booking records, and human intelligence inputs were utilised to trace the movements and connections of the suspects.
Investigators soon discovered that the firing was not a spontaneous act but part of a carefully planned conspiracy involving several meetings, reconnaissance of the complainant’s office, and logistical support provided by local facilitators.
First Breakthrough: Arrest of Vishal Bhati @ Bhanja
The first major breakthrough came with the arrest of Vishal Bhati alias Bhanja, whose role in the conspiracy was established through technical and circumstantial evidence. His custodial interrogation proved crucial in exposing the larger network behind the crime.
Based on information provided by Vishal Bhati and corroborated by electronic evidence, the police were able to identify additional conspirators, including local builder-hoteliers and interstate criminals, who were working together to execute the extortion plan.
Conspiracy Involving Local Builders and Interstate Criminals
Further investigation revealed that the prime shooter, Pawan Kumar alias Pawan Pehelwan, a resident of Bahadurgarh, Haryana, intended to project himself as a financier but was, in reality, seeking to establish himself as a feared extortionist in the Paharganj area, particularly targeting builders and hoteliers operating in Paharganj.
Police uncovered that he was acting in active connivance with Pawan Kumar alias Pawan Chetli, a local builder and hotelier, and his associate Rajesh Sachdeva alias Sonu Mota. The duo allegedly facilitated the interstate gang by arranging accommodation, meeting venues, and sharing sensitive information about the complainant and his family.
Investigators found that Pawan Chetli had personal commercial rivalries with the complainant and sought to exploit the criminal act to strengthen his influence among local builders. The conspiracy was allegedly designed to terrorise builders, eliminate competition, and establish criminal dominance in the area.
Arrest of Key Conspirator from Kolkata
As the investigation progressed, police learned that another key conspirator, Shakti Singh, had fled Delhi immediately after the incident and was hiding in Kolkata, West Bengal. A joint team of Police Station Nabi Karim and Special Staff, Central District, was dispatched to Kolkata.
After sustained surveillance and coordinated efforts, the team successfully apprehended Shakti Singh. His transit remand was obtained from a competent court in Kolkata, and he was brought to Delhi for further interrogation. Verification through ICJS revealed that he is a habitual offender with 13 criminal cases registered against him across Delhi.
Dramatic Arrest of Prime Accused After Exchange of Fire
Despite the arrest of other conspirators, the prime accused and shooter, Pawan Kumar alias Pawan Pehelwan, continued to evade arrest. Police revealed that during this period, he was openly displaying firearms on social media and boasting about the firing incident, even challenging law enforcement agencies.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding his movement near Kabristan, IP Estate, a Special Staff team reached the location to apprehend him. Upon noticing the police presence, the accused allegedly opened fire in an attempt to escape.
The police retaliated in lawful self-defence. During the exchange of fire, the accused sustained gunshot injuries in both legs. He was overpowered, apprehended, and immediately shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. A separate FIR was registered at Police Station IP Estate in connection with the attack on the police party.
Recoveries and Evidence
During the arrest of the prime accused, police recovered:
- One sophisticated pistol
- Two live cartridges
- Three fired cartridge cases
- One stolen motorcycle linked to another criminal case
These recoveries form a crucial part of the ongoing investigation and further strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Profiles of the Arrested Accused
So far, five accused persons have been arrested in the case:
Pawan Kumar @ Pawan Pehelwan – Prime shooter and mastermind
Shakti Singh – Key conspirator and habitual offender
Vishal Bhati @ Bhanja – First arrested conspirator
Pawan Kumar @ Pawan Chetli – Local builder and hotelier
Rajesh Sachdeva @ Sonu Mota – Associate facilitator
All accused have prior criminal antecedents, further underscoring the organised nature of the conspiracy.
A Strong Message Against Organised Crime
Senior police officers stated that the prompt, coordinated and professional efforts of the investigating teams led to the successful detection of this high-profile extortion-cum-firing case. The operation not only neutralised an interstate extortion gang but also prevented further attempts to terrorise the local business community.
The crackdown sends a strong message that criminal activities in Paharganj will be dealt with firmly and decisively. Further investigation is ongoing to trace financial trails, recover additional weapons, identify more associates, and establish the complete chain of conspiracy.
The case stands as a significant example of Delhi Police’s zero-tolerance approach towards organised crime, reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement and ensuring that those who attempt to spread fear are brought swiftly to justice.
