Bishnoi Gang Threatens Punjabi Singer Dilnoor: Rs 10 Crore Ransom Demanded for B Praak

‘Dire consequences’: Bishnoi gang threatens Dilnoor; Rs 10cr demanded for B Praak

In a disturbing development that blurs the lines between celebrity culture and organized crime, Punjabi singer Dilnoor has become the latest target of a brazen extortion attempt allegedly orchestrated by the infamous Bishnoi gang. According to police reports, Dilnoor received a threatening phone call demanding a staggering **Rs 10 crore** ransom—ostensibly to be paid by fellow artist B Praak—with a chilling warning of “dire consequences” if the deadline isn’t met .

The incident, which has sent shockwaves through Punjab’s music and film industry, underscores the persistent reach of transnational criminal networks even into the lives of public figures. What makes this case especially alarming is the caller’s claim of identity—Arju Bishnoi—and the use of foreign-origin phone numbers, suggesting a sophisticated, cross-border operation.

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The Bishnoi Gang Threat: What Happened?

On January 15, 2026, Dilnoor approached the Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) with a formal complaint detailing a series of threatening calls he had received over the previous 48 hours. The caller, identifying himself as Arju Bishnoi—a known associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi organized crime network—instructed Dilnoor to convey a message to B Praak: pay Rs 10 crore within seven days or face “severe repercussions” .

Notably, the calls originated from international numbers, likely routed through VoIP services, making immediate tracing difficult. Dilnoor, visibly shaken, stated he had no prior connection to the Bishnoi gang and was unaware why his name was used as an intermediary in this extortion scheme.

This marks one of the first known instances where a Punjabi singer has been directly leveraged in a ransom plot targeting another artist—a tactic more commonly seen in high-profile kidnapping or corporate extortion cases.

Who Is Arju Bishnoi and the Bishnoi Syndicate?

The Bishnoi gang, led by incarcerated don Lawrence Bishnoi, has evolved into one of India’s most feared transnational criminal enterprises. With alleged operations spanning Canada, the UAE, and Eastern Europe, the syndicate is linked to arms trafficking, contract killings, and high-stakes extortion .

Arju Bishnoi, believed to be a key lieutenant operating from abroad, has previously been named in multiple Interpol red notices. Indian authorities suspect he uses encrypted communication apps and burner phones to coordinate threats and financial demands, often targeting celebrities to generate quick cash and media attention.

According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the gang frequently exploits the fame and perceived wealth of singers and actors in Punjab and Haryana, viewing them as “low-risk, high-reward” targets due to their public profiles and limited personal security infrastructure .

Why Target Dilnoor and B Praak?

While the exact motive remains under investigation, experts point to several plausible theories:

  • Perceived Wealth: Both Dilnoor and B Praak enjoy massive followings and lucrative brand deals, making them appear financially capable of paying large sums.
  • Industry Rivalries: The Punjabi music scene, though collaborative, has underlying tensions. Extortionists may exploit rumored disputes or jealousies.
  • Psychological Impact: Targeting beloved cultural icons amplifies fear and ensures media coverage, which the gang may use to bolster its reputation among rivals.

It’s worth noting that B Praak has not publicly commented on the threat, and there’s no evidence he was directly contacted. The demand appears to be a coercive tactic using Dilnoor as a messenger—an intimidation strategy designed to create panic.

Police Response and Investigation Status

The Mohali police have launched a high-priority investigation, collaborating with the Punjab State CID and the Ministry of Home Affairs’ cybercrime cell. Key steps include:

  1. Tracing the international call origins through telecom providers and global law enforcement partners.
  2. Analyzing metadata and voice samples to verify if the caller is indeed Arju Bishnoi or an imposter.
  3. Providing temporary security cover to both Dilnoor and B Praak as a precautionary measure.

“We are treating this as a serious case of attempted extortion with possible links to organized crime,” said a senior Mohali police official, speaking on condition of anonymity .

For more on how law enforcement tackles cyber extortion, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:cybercrime-in-india].

How Celebrities Are Vulnerable to Extortion

Despite their fame, many regional artists operate without robust security protocols. Unlike Bollywood A-listers, Punjabi singers often manage their own social media, share personal contact details, and travel without bodyguards—making them easy targets.

A 2025 report by the National Investigation Agency revealed a 40% year-on-year increase in extortion attempts against regional entertainers, with 70% of cases involving overseas-based callers impersonating gang members .

Protecting Yourself from Cyber and Phone-Based Threats

While celebrities are primary targets, anyone can fall victim to such scams. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Never share personal numbers publicly. Use business lines or virtual numbers for professional inquiries.
  • Report suspicious calls immediately to local police and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
  • Enable call screening and spam filters on your smartphone.
  • Verify identities independently before acting on any urgent demand.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Industry’s Security Protocols

The Bishnoi gang threat against Dilnoor is more than just a criminal incident—it’s a stark reminder of the evolving dangers facing public figures in the digital age. As transnational gangs grow bolder, the entertainment industry must adopt proactive security measures, from digital hygiene to physical protection.

For now, authorities are working tirelessly to unmask the perpetrators behind these menacing calls. But one thing is clear: in the shadowy world of organized crime, no one—not even a beloved singer—is truly out of reach.

Sources

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