Mohali, January 17, 2026 — A fresh case of alleged extortion has sent ripples through the Punjabi and Bollywood music industries after Punjabi singer Dilnoor reported receiving a ransom threat purportedly from an associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. According to the complaint filed with the Mohali police, the caller demanded ₹10 crore and instructed Dilnoor to warn fellow singer and music composer B Praak that failure to comply would result in serious harm within a week.

The incident, which is now under investigation by the Punjab Police, adds to a growing list of cases in which prominent public figures, particularly from the entertainment industry, have been targeted with alleged threats and extortion demands linked to organised criminal networks.

Complaint Filed With Mohali Police

Dilnoor approached the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Mohali, earlier this month, submitting a written complaint detailing the sequence of events that led to the alleged threat. Police officials confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and that technical teams are examining call records, international numbers, and the audio message received by the singer.

According to the complaint, the caller identified himself as “Arju Bishnoi” and claimed to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal network that has been under the scanner of multiple law enforcement agencies across India. The caller allegedly stated that he was operating from outside the country, a tactic commonly used in extortion cases to complicate tracing and enforcement efforts.

Two Missed Calls Raise Suspicion

Dilnoor told the police that the incident began on January 5, when he noticed two missed calls from an overseas number. At the time, he chose not to return or answer the calls. The following day, on January 6, he received another call, this time from a different international number.

When he answered the call, Dilnoor reportedly found the conversation suspicious and disconnected it shortly thereafter. He said that the tone, content, and manner of the call immediately raised concerns, prompting him to avoid further direct communication with the caller.

Soon after ending the call, Dilnoor received a voice message that allegedly contained the explicit ransom demand. In the purported audio message, the caller demanded that ₹10 crore be paid within a week and warned that B Praak would be harmed if the demand was not met.

Threat Allegedly Directed at B Praak

What has heightened concern in this case is that the threat was not directed at Dilnoor himself but at B Praak, one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Indian music. The caller allegedly instructed Dilnoor to act as an intermediary and ensure that the warning reached B Praak.

According to the complaint, the caller cautioned that the threat should not be taken lightly and emphasised his alleged links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to underline the seriousness of the demand. The message reportedly suggested that consequences would follow swiftly if the money was not paid within the stipulated time frame.

Police officials have not publicly released the audio clip but confirmed that it is being analysed as part of the investigation.

Police Investigation Underway

Following the submission of the complaint, the Mohali police registered the matter and began preliminary inquiries. Officials said they are examining call detail records, tracking the international numbers used, and analysing the voice message for forensic and technical clues.

A senior police officer familiar with the case said that such investigations typically involve coordination with central agencies and telecom service providers, particularly when calls originate from outside India. “We are verifying the authenticity of the threat, the identity claimed by the caller, and any possible links to known criminal networks,” the officer said.

The police have also indicated that they are assessing whether this case is connected to other recent extortion attempts that bear similar patterns, including the use of overseas numbers, voice notes, and the invocation of well-known gang names to instil fear.

Rising Concerns Over Extortion Threats

The reported threat comes at a time when law enforcement agencies across several states have flagged a rise in extortion calls and intimidation tactics allegedly linked to organised gangs. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, in particular, has been named in multiple investigations involving threats to businesspersons, film personalities, and musicians.

In recent years, several celebrities have reported receiving threatening messages or calls in which the Bishnoi gang’s name was invoked. Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been among the high-profile figures who have previously been targeted with alleged threats, prompting heightened security arrangements.

The gang has also been linked by police to violent crimes, including shootings and targeted killings. Most notably, it has been cited in investigations related to the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, a case that shook the nation and brought renewed focus on the nexus between organised crime and the entertainment industry.

Impact on the Music Industry

The latest incident has once again raised questions about the safety of artists and public figures, particularly those with significant visibility and influence. Punjabi singers, many of whom enjoy massive fan followings both in India and abroad, have increasingly found themselves in the crosshairs of criminal elements seeking money or notoriety.

B Praak, whose real name is Pratik Bachan, is a celebrated singer and music composer with a strong presence in both Punjabi and Hindi cinema. He is known for chart-topping songs such as Teri Mitti from the film Kesari, Mann Bharrya, Filhall, and Pachtaoge, among many others. His success and popularity have made him a household name, but they have also, according to security experts, increased his vulnerability to such threats.

While there has been no official statement from B Praak or his representatives regarding the alleged threat, sources indicated that the matter is being taken seriously and that appropriate precautions are being considered.

Use of Gang Names as a Tactic

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly cautioned that not all threats invoking notorious gang names are necessarily genuine, but they are nonetheless treated with utmost seriousness. Criminals often exploit the fear associated with well-known gangs to pressure victims into compliance, even when the actual operational link may be tenuous or fabricated.

“Whether the caller is truly connected to the gang or is misusing the name, the offence remains serious,” a police official said. “Our job is to verify every aspect and ensure the safety of those involved.”

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues, the case underscores the broader challenge faced by authorities in tackling cross-border extortion rackets and protecting high-profile individuals. The use of international numbers, digital messaging platforms, and voice notes has made such crimes more complex, requiring advanced technical capabilities and inter-agency cooperation.

For now, the Mohali police have assured that all necessary steps are being taken to trace the source of the calls and assess any real and immediate threat. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security concerns confronting celebrities in India and the need for robust mechanisms to address organised crime and intimidation.

Further developments are expected as investigators analyse the evidence and determine the next course of action.