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The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested two members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar-Virender Charan gang who were allegedly tasked with killing stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui. Officials confirmed that the two men were caught after an armed encounter on Jaitpur-Kalindi Kunj Road in the early hours of the morning.
The suspects have been identified as Rahul from Panipat and Sahil from Bhiwani, both in Haryana. Rahul, police said, was already wanted for his involvement in a triple murder in Yamunanagar, Haryana, in December 2024. He was on the run before being intercepted in Delhi.
Encounter on Kalindi Kunj Road
According to police officials, the operation was launched after intelligence indicated the presence of shooters near New Friends Colony. Acting on the tip-off, the police set up a trap at Kalindi Kunj-Pushta Road. Around 3 am, officers spotted a suspicious motorcycle approaching.
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When signalled to stop, the riders opened fire at the police team. In retaliation, officers returned fire, and both suspects were injured in the legs before being overpowered. They were taken to a hospital for treatment and remain under custody. Firearms and the motorcycle used during the incident were seized, and further investigation is underway.
Munawar Faruqui on the Hit List
Investigators revealed that both arrested men were working under the instructions of foreign-based gangster Rohit Godara. He is known to operate closely with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar and their associate Virender Charan. Together, they have been accused of coordinating multiple targeted attacks in India, often directed at public figures and celebrities.
As per Delhi Police, the arrested men had conducted reconnaissance operations in Mumbai and Bengaluru to monitor Munawar Faruqui’s movements. In some reports, surveillance was also carried out in parts of West Bengal. The plan was to execute the comedian during one of his public appearances or travel schedules.
Police officials believe Munawar Faruqui was on the gang’s target list due to his past controversies and growing popularity. The comedian, who has over 14 million followers on Instagram, won the reality show Bigg Boss in 2024 and remains one of the most widely followed performers in India.
Previous Threats and Security Concerns
This is not the first time Faruqui has faced threats to his life. In 2024, while investigating a separate shooting case in Delhi, police came across intelligence that revealed a potential plan to target him. Following this, he was immediately rushed back to Mumbai from Delhi for his safety.
Reports have also linked his name to the hit list of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is known for orchestrating attacks on public figures.
Pattern of Threats Against Celebrities
The foiled attack on Munawar Faruqui highlights a broader trend of organised gangs targeting celebrities. The Goldy Brar-Rohit Godara syndicate has been linked to multiple such incidents in recent months.
Earlier this week, the Mumbai Crime Branch arrested a man named Dilip Choudhary for threatening comedian and actor Kapil Sharma. Choudhary had introduced himself as a member of the Godara-Brar gang.
On September 12, two shooters opened fire outside actor Disha Patani’s house in Bareilly. The attack was later claimed by the same gang, which has increasingly been using high-profile targets to assert dominance and spread fear.
Investigation and Next Steps
Both Rahul and Sahil are now being interrogated to identify the masterminds behind the planned killing of Munawar Faruqui. Police are also trying to establish whether other shooters were part of the conspiracy and if additional reconnaissance was carried out.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has stated that the arrests are part of a larger crackdown on the Godara-Brar network, which has expanded its reach across multiple states. Coordination with state police units in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh is ongoing to dismantle the gang’s operations.
Rahul’s involvement in the Yamunanagar triple murder case is also under review, with Haryana Police expected to take custody once medical treatment is completed.
A Serious Challenge for Law Enforcement
The incident underscores the growing challenge of organised crime syndicates targeting popular public figures. With the involvement of foreign-based gang leaders like Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar, police say such operations have become more sophisticated, often relying on overseas coordination, encrypted communication, and local shooters recruited from smaller towns.
Officials have assured that extra security measures will remain in place for Munawar Faruqui, who continues to perform across India despite repeated threats. Authorities are also monitoring other celebrities who may be on the gang’s radar.
