Two Shooters Apprehended in Gunfight; Interrogation Reveals Failed Mumbai and Bengaluru Surveillance on Stand-Up Star Munawar Faruqui
Delhi Police successfully thwarted a major assassination plot targeting popular stand-up comedian and reality TV star Munawar Faruqui on Thursday. Following a fierce gunfight on the Jaitpur-Kalindi Kunj Road, the police arrested two alleged sharpshooters reportedly affiliated with the notorious Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara organised crime syndicate. During interrogation, the suspects confessed that Faruqui was their primary target.
The arrested individuals were identified as Rahul (29) from Panipat and Sahil (37) from Bhiwani. Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of the armed criminals, a team from the Delhi Police’s Special Cell laid a trap in the early hours of Thursday. The confrontation escalated when the officers intercepted the duo riding a motorcycle, and the criminals opened fire. In the ensuing police retaliation, the shooters sustained injuries to their legs before the police finally overpowered and apprehended them. Authorities seized firearms and the motorcycle used in the operation at the scene.
Investigators revealed that the two shooters were operating under direct instructions from foreign-based gangster Rohit Godara, who is closely associated with Canada-based Goldy Brar and absconding criminal Virender Charan. This syndicate, which gained notoriety following the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, has aggressively attempted to expand its influence by targeting high-profile celebrities.
Police sources indicated that the gang allegedly planned to eliminate Faruqui over his previous controversial jokes, particularly those involving Hindu deities. This motive highlights the alarming trend of criminal organizations attempting to monetize and gain visibility by inserting themselves into contentious cultural and political debates.
The investigation uncovered the chilling details of the plot. Rahul and Sahil had reportedly conducted extensive reconnaissance missions to track movements of Munawar Faruqui in both Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The shooters admitted to having previously attempted an attack in Bengaluru, which narrowly failed after the comedian spontaneously switched his vehicle, an unforeseen change that disrupted the gang’s plans and saved his life. The duo was later diverted to Delhi to carry out targeted killings on behalf of the syndicate after their attempts to hit Munawar Faruqui failed due to “communication gaps” with their handlers abroad.
The syndicate’s attempts to target celebrities are not isolated. Police noted that the gang had also claimed responsibility for the recent firing incident outside actress Disha Patani‘s Bareilly residence. Furthermore, another man, claiming to be a member of the Goldy Brar–Rohit Godara gang, was arrested earlier this week by the Mumbai Crime Branch for threatening comedian and actor Kapil Sharma.
The arrested shooters possess significant criminal records. Rahul, who received a gunshot wound during the encounter, was a wanted fugitive in connection with a sensational triple murder that took place in Yamunanagar, Haryana, in December 2024. He also faced charges under the Arms Act in Bikaner, where he had been dispatched for another contract killing. Sahil, his accomplice, faces multiple cases of financial misconduct in courts in Haryana.
Munawar Faruqui, who became a mainstream celebrity after winning reality show ‘Bigg Boss‘ in 2024, has accumulated over 14 million followers on Instagram but remains a consistent target for extremist elements and criminal syndicates. The Delhi Police’s swift action in apprehending the shooters successfully averted a serious threat and sends a strong message against the growing menace of organized crime targeting public figures.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify other members of the syndicate and assess any further threats to celebrities.
