Delhi High Court Directs State Protection for Music Producers Facing Threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar Gangs
The Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi government to provide immediate protection to music producer Amandeep Batra, who has reported receiving life-threatening calls and extortion demands from the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs (Amandeep Singh Batra vs. State Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Anr.).
Justice Jasmeet Singh instructed the Delhi government to take decisive action within ten days to ensure Batra’s security. The Court further directed that, in the meantime, all necessary measures should be taken to safeguard Batra’s life. “He has every reason to be scared,” Justice Singh remarked during the proceedings.
Batra claimed in court that the threats and extortion calls originated from individuals claiming to represent gangster Goldy Brar and members of Lawrence Bishnoi’s network. He further alleged that the threats were part of a scheme orchestrated by businessman Prateek Chaudhary, who he claimed held a personal vendetta against him and had connections with the two criminal figures. Additionally, Batra alleged that his ex-wife, a close friend of Chaudhary, was complicit in the harassment.
An FIR was filed following Batra’s complaint, but he contended that the threats had continued unabated. While a police officer had been assigned to his protection, Batra complained that the officer’s presence was inconsistent, with only occasional visits instead of continuous monitoring.
In his petition, Batra emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing a rise in high-profile, targeted killings in India, such as those of Sidhu Moosewala, Baba Siddique, and Nadir Shah. He argued that the threats to his life warranted immediate and enhanced security.
Senior Advocate Abhimanyu Bhandari, along with Advocates Arjun Syal, Mehak Jaggi, Nimisha Gupta, Nattasha Garg, and Tanaya Aggarwal, represented Batra. Additional Standing Counsel Rahul Tyagi appeared on behalf of the Delhi government.
The Court, taking note of the gravity of the threats and Batra’s vulnerable position, prioritized his protection and underscored the responsibility of the state to act swiftly in such matters.
