Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that two men allegedly involved in the recent firing outside the residence of Bollywood actress Disha Patani’s father in Bareilly were killed in a late-night encounter. The joint operation was carried out by the Noida Special Task Force (STF) and the Delhi Police Special Cell in Tronica City, Ghaziabad, on Wednesday.
The firing incident took place in the early hours of September 12, when unidentified assailants opened fire outside the Civil Lines home of Jagdish Patani, a retired police officer. According to investigators, between 8 and 10 rounds were fired using foreign-made weapons, raising concerns over the security of high-profile families in Uttar Pradesh. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the brazen attack shocked the local community and quickly drew national attention.
The two accused who were killed in the encounter have been identified as Ravindra, also known as Kallu, a resident of Rohtak, and Arun, from Sonipat. Both were believed to be active members of the Goldy Brar-Rohit Godara gang, a notorious criminal syndicate with links to several violent crimes, including contract killings and extortion rackets across northern India.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack on the Patani residence may have been linked to controversial remarks made by Disha Patani’s sister, Khushboo, about two religious leaders—Premanand Maharaj and Aniruddhacharya Maharaj. These remarks reportedly angered followers and, investigators say, may have been exploited by the gang to stage the firing as an act of intimidation.
The Encounter
Authorities had been tracking the suspects since the attack, and intelligence inputs led them to Ghaziabad. Police sources said the two men attempted to flee when confronted, leading to an exchange of fire in which they were fatally injured. Weapons and a motorcycle believed to have been used in the Bareilly attack were recovered from the site.
Officials emphasized that the operation was critical in neutralizing a direct threat to the Patani family, while also sending a strong message to organized gangs attempting to target public figures for notoriety.
Political And Administrative Response
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally reached out to Jagdish Patani after the incident, assuring him of full protection and state support. Senior police officials also underlined that all conspirators connected to the case would be tracked down and that no leniency would be shown in matters of public safety.
Background On The Goldy Brar Gang
The Goldy Brar gang, with roots in Punjab and Haryana, has gained notoriety in recent years for its involvement in a series of high-profile crimes. The gang is linked to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, a case that drew international attention. Operating across state lines, the group is known for contract killings, extortion of businessmen, and attacks designed to assert dominance in rivalries with other gangs.
Goldy Brar, believed to be operating from abroad, has been listed as a high-risk criminal figure by Indian agencies. His associate Rohit Godara is considered equally dangerous and has been implicated in multiple gang-related killings. Their network reportedly uses young recruits to carry out violent acts, often providing them with sophisticated weapons smuggled into India.
Officials investigating the Bareilly firing are exploring whether the attack was meant as a message to intimidate not just the Patani family but also as a broader assertion of power by the gang. The fact that the shooters used foreign-made weapons has further raised alarms about the gang’s access to international supply chains of arms.
The Road Ahead
Forensic teams are now examining ballistic evidence from the scene of the firing and the subsequent encounter. Police are also looking into whether other gang members provided logistical support or shelter to the shooters.
The incident has sparked a debate on the safety of celebrities and their families, especially in regions where organized crime groups have tried to expand their influence. Security agencies are under pressure to ensure that such attacks do not recur, with many suggesting that prominent individuals may require enhanced surveillance and protection measures.
The encounter is being viewed as both a breakthrough in the Bareilly case and a warning sign of the dangers posed by transnational criminal gangs like that of Goldy Brar. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling these networks and ensuring justice for those targeted.
