Satinderjeet Singh (born 11 March 1994), also known as Goldy Brar,[1] is a Canada-based Indian gangster. Born in Punjab's Muktsar district, he is wanted by Indian authorities in connection with murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. He was associated with Lawrence Bishnoi, another gangster of Punjabi origin who is currently incarcerated. Canada's BOLO program named Brar among its top 25 most wanted fugitives.[2] A National Investigation Agency (CBI) report revealed the Bishnoi gang's and Brar's link to Pro-Khalistan outfits.[3]
Goldy Brar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Satinderjeet Singh 11 March 1994 Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab, India |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Known for | Involvement in the assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala |
| Criminal status | Active |
Early life
editSatinderjeet Singh was born on 11 March 1994, in the Sri Muktsar Sahib district of Punjab.[4] His father, Shamsher Singh, worked for the Punjab Police as an assistant sub-inspector.[5] He later moved to Faridkot, Village Burj Hari Ke in Punjab.
Brar obtained a Canadian student visa and travelled to Canada in 2017.[6]
Criminal career
editBrar is a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, one of the most notorious criminal gangs in Punjab. The gang is known for its involvement in a number of high-profile crimes, including the murder of several high-ranking police officials.[2] Brar's involvement in the gang increased following the death of his cousin in 2020.[6]
In May 2022, a Faridkot court issued a non-bailable arrest and warrant against Brar for killing District Youth Congress president Gurlal Singh Pehalwan.[7] After that, on 29 May 2022, Brar allegedly killed an Indian singer and politician Sidhu Moose Wala, according to a Facebook post by Brar taking responsibility for the shooting.[8]
The Indian government issued a Red Notice against him in June 2022, which means that he can be arrested and extradited from any country that is a member of Interpol.[9][4] Brar is accused of conspiring with others to acquire and supply illegal firearms, and using those firearms to commit murder and attempt murder.[9]
India's Ministry of Home Affairs designated Brar, the alleged mastermind behind Sidhu Moosewala's murder, a terrorist under UAPA. The MHA cited his association with Babbar Khalsa International (a listed terrorist organisation), involvement in killings, cross-border activities, arms smuggling, and threatening calls. This move underscores Brar's perceived threat to national security.[10]
Brar has been named among the top 25 most wanted fugitives by the BOLO, which has offered a reward of $50,000 for information leading to Brar's arrest.[2]
Reports of Brar's death
editBrar is currently on the run from Indian and Canadian authorities. He was rumoured to have been shot and killed in Fresno, California 30 April 2024. While his death was reported in Indian media, it was not confirmed by U.S. authorities.[11] Later on, the Indian media reported that news of his death was incorrect and that the dead man misidentified as Brar was actually Xavier Gladney.[12][13] The lieutenant of the Fresno Police Department made it clear that the person shot dead was not Brar and quoting the media reports to be "untrue". They are unaware of who started this misinformation on social media and news media in India, without any verification.[14]
References
edit- ^ "Who is Goldy Brar? Know about Canada-based gangster believed to be behind Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala's murder". Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ a b c Chhina, Man Aman Singh (2 May 2023). "Gangster Goldy Brar now among Canada's most wanted criminals". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ^ "NIA files chargesheet against Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar on terror nexus case". Hindustan Times. 24 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Red Notices: Singh, Satinderjeet". Interpol. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ^ "Who is Goldy Brar, Sidhu Moose Wala's alleged killer, ex-cop's son who reached Canada on student visa?". Hindustan Times. 1 January 2024.
- ^ a b Shekhar, Raj (2 May 2024). "Goldy Brar shot? US shooting sets off buzz of gangster". Times of India.
- ^ "2 shooters held in Faridkot Cong leader Gurlal Singh Pehalwan murder case". Tribuneindia News Service. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ "Sidhu Moose Wala Killing: Who are Goldy Brar, Lawrence Bishnoi, Suspects in Punjabi Singer's Murder?". News18. 30 May 2022. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Goldy Brar". The Hindu. 10 June 2022. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ^ "MHA Declares Moosewala Murder Mastermind Goldy Brar a 'Terrorist' Under UAPA". TheQuint. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Goldy Brar, gangster behind Sidhu Moosewala's murder, shot dead in US: Reports". WION. 1 May 2024.
- ^ "US Police deny reports of Goldy Brar's murder: 'Incorrect'".
- ^ "क्या अमेरिका में मारा गया गैंगस्टर गोल्डी बराड़? आई US पुलिस की सफाई" [Was Gangster Goldy Brar killed in America? US Police made clear]. AajTak (in Hindi). 2 May 2024.
- ^ "Goldy Brar Not The Gangster Killed In California Shootout: US Police". NDTV. 2 May 2024.