Avinash Bassan
System Observer Investigation Desk
August 8, 2025
In a disturbing exposé, System Observer brings to light a chilling chronology of coordinated attacks, organised crimes, and institutional apathy allegedly revolving around the Rajpura gang — a powerful criminal syndicate deeply entrenched in the region of Rajpura near the International Border (IB). With support from insiders in law enforcement and influential legal experts, this gang has turned into a parallel power structure, creating a security crisis in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir
Timeline of an Organised Criminal Operation reported: However number of episodes not on record may have taken place.
2017: Origins of an Empire of Fear
Daily Excelsior (Oct 24, 2017) reported a violent clash in Rajpura where over three dozen policemen including SHO Naresh Sharma were injured during a raid involving state land encroachment near the IB, flagged as a national security threat.
2018: BSF Raises Alarm
DIG BSF (29 Aug 2018) wrote to the Divisional Commissioner for evacuation of tribal settlements near the border citing security concerns. That very land, now allegedly encroached and criminalised, links back to Rajpura settlers.
2019: Assault on SDM Drive
According to Amar Ujala (Dec 10, 2019), an anti-encroachment drive led by an SDM saw 6 officers injured in a violent resistance by Rajpura goons.
The syndicate showed its muscle power and impunity, making it a clear challenge to civil administration.
2024-2025: Emergence of Ali — The Gang Kingpin
FIR No. 147/2024, Bari Brahmana PS: Ali, believed to be the kingpin of the Rajpura gang, was named in a wire theft case.
Since then, his interstate criminal empire has allegedly expanded across Jammu, Punjab, and border towns.
Chain of Attacks (2025) — Escalation Into Open Warfare
-April 9, 2025 — SHO Assaulted
SHO Pushvinder Singh was reportedly assaulted by a Baru along with Hyder, bacchu don, sunny & the members of the said peddler group was having some connections with Rajpura gang too as per sources.
June 30 – July 1, 2025 — Attack on Forest Officials
Forest Department officials, including the DFO, submitted a formal complaint to SSP Jammu after a midnight assault near Doomi Thati.
Attackers carried sharp-edged weapons, and were linked to Rajpura’s network.
Aug 2, 2025 — Sua number EK Naka (Live on Social Media)
A brazen naka breach and attack on police near Sua number EK was livestreamed, exposing the lawlessness and fearlessness of the perpetrators.
July 7, 2025 — Old Bridge Naka Attack
Verified by top police officials, a Tata Mobile vehicle breached a checkpoint and fled towards Rajpura, reinforcing concerns about a safe haven for criminals.
Targeting the Press — Assaults on Journalists
August 4, 2025 — Journalist Atul Sudan along with another journalist residing in thati village of PS kanachack were attacked by the group of people.
On the night of August 4, Atul Sudan, a senior journalist affiliated with Amar Ujala, was brutally attacked by a mob near Thati village, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kanachack and SDPO Domana.
His vehicle JK02DG-4617 was damaged in the attack.
The journalist alleges that the attackers belonged to the Rajpura gang, long known for violent criminal acts and political protection.
Following the incident, a case was formally registered as FIR No. 109/2025 at Police Station Kanachack.
05 individuals have been arrested so far, and further inquiry is in progress.
However, as per the complaint filed by Atul Sudan, nearly 30-35 individuals were involved in the attack.
Yet, a majority of them remain untraced and unarrested — raising serious concerns over police inaction or fear.
This incident has triggered widespread protests by:
Student groups : Protest at GGM Science College Jammu against the cowardly attack on Journalists. Protest was led by Ritik Verma and Balram Singh.
Representatives of Various social organisations protested in Akhnoor to condemn attack on Journalists. Sushil Sharma Chairman JK Disable Welfare Trust, Raghuvir Singh, Baba Bharti, Jugal Gupta, Karun Gupta, Chiku Mahajan remained present.
Civil society organisations: Protest in Saith Village demanding PSA on the culprits of Attack on Journalist Atul Sudan and Ashwani Bhardwaj. Anil Sharma, Dheeraj Khajuria, Gourav Sharma, Kartik, Vishav Chib, Parshotam Sharma, Amit Khajuria, Mohit Sharma, Sahil Kumar, Vinay, Vishal Kumar, Gulshan Manhas, Deepak Manhas, Sumit Magyal, Pawan Kumar, Summy, Ankush Sharma, Rohit Manhas, Neeraj Sharma, Vishal Rajput, Akhil Rajput, Keshav, Deepak, Vishal, Nikhil, Raghunath, Sahil Chib, Sunil, among others remained present in protest.
Protest in Khour Bazar led by Youth. Expressing resentment against inaction of Kanachack Police. Anil Kumar, Mangesh, Sumit Sharma were mainly present.
Journalistic bodies & Local leaders
They are openly challenging the police for failing to raid Rajpura and act decisively against what they call a “criminal fortress” operating under political and administrative shelter.
Ashwani Bhardwaj Case — Ignored Warnings
Ashwani Bhardwaj, a journalist from Doomi, had raised alarm weeks earlier about threats from the same gang, submitted a written application, in which he have mentioned the vehicle number especially following him and tried to crush him intentionally and belongs to the Rajpura gang.
No FIR was registered. No arrests were made.
“The police have failed to act even after handing over the vehicle number of the accused,” Bhardwaj said during a press conference.
Illegal Wealth, Vehicles & Narcotics: The Machinery Behind the Crime
As per sources Lakhanpur Interception on 23 Feb 2025 (01:15 AM):
A white Hyundai i20 (no registration) was stopped. which was driven by two persons including Shajjad and Ali of Rajpura
Meanwhile Shajjad was arrested and ALl fled away
Vehicle contained approx ₹50 lakh cash — now with Income Tax Department.
The car remains unclaimed at Lakhanpur.
Vehicle Details:
Chassis No: MALBB51BR9M023702*A
Engine No: KEL08L1821098242
How are such vehicles acquired? For what are they used? Who funds these luxury SUVs with no documentation?
SP Rural Jammu Brijesh Sharma during a conversation with System Observer confirmed that in connection with the attack on journalists Atul Sudan and associates registered under FIR No. 109/2025, two vehicles used in the incident have been seized and five individuals have been arrested so far.
The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the remaining accused involved in the group attack near Thati village on August 4, 2025.
Meanwhile during a conversation with System Observer, SHO Kanachack revealed the identity of the arrested in the journalist attack case as same from Rajpura and few outsiders in the initial stage of investigation.
Viral Video :Ring
Road Display of Power
A recent viral video from Ring Road, Marh showed Ali gang members brandishing weapons.
Though police arrested a few, the main culprits seen in the video remain free.
The arrests were later described as being from a routine naka — sparking outrage and allegations of police cover-up.
Widespread Public Outrage
Protests erupted across:
Jammu including Akhnoor, Thati , Pargwal, khour , and various other places.
The question now reverberating:
Why are police hesitating to raid Rajpura? What are they protecting?
Multiple organisations have openly challenged the authorities:
“Why is Rajpura a no-go zone for police?”
“Why are repeat offenders not behind bars despite evidence?”
Some social organisations have even demanded the issuance of the Revolvers and arms licence for the journalists and volunteers to safeguard their lives when administration fails to provide the safety & security of the citizens.
The Larger Threat: Security & Governance Breakdown
Rajpura gang’s sustained attacks on journalists, police officers, forest officials, and civil administration show the emergence of an unchallenged power structure — shielded by fear, political patronage, and institutional compromise.
This is no longer a law-and-order issue; it is an existential threat to the governance and national security of Jammu & Kashmir.
Call for Action
The DGP of Jammu & Kashmir and IGP Jammu Zone must:
Order a high-level probe.
Initiate comprehensive crackdown.
Ensure no political or legal shielding.
Protect whistleblowers, journalists, and officials.
If not now, the Rajpura syndicate may become a blueprint for organised lawlessness across sensitive border areas of J&K.
System Observer will continue to investigate, expose, and document this developing story.
Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available records, verified reports from System Observer field correspondents, social media evidence, and statements from law enforcement sources. Allegations mentioned are under investigation and not legally adjudicated.
