On 28 September 2026, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation added Canada-based Indian gangster Goldy Brar to its list of 10 most wanted fugitives. The investigative agency announced a reward of US$1 million, equivalent to approximately ₹9.4 crore, for information leading to his arrest. Indian authorities have previously secured a Red Corner Notice against him, alongside designating him a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Furthermore, his name is prominent on Canada's list of 25 most wanted fugitives. Amid international manhunts and heavy surveillance, a profound silence envelops his residential property in Sri Muktsar Sahib and his ancestral village of Burj Harika in Punjab. Accounts from former neighbours and immediate relatives depict the descent of a once-promising student into a fugitive who severed all ties with his lineage.
The Deserted Muktsar Residence: 5,000 Square Feet under Constant Surveillance
Goldy Brar spent his early years in Adesh Nagar, located in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab. The family property, a two-storey house constructed on a 5,000-square-foot plot, stands completely deserted today. Although the front gate remains unlocked, heavy layers of accumulated dust indicate that no occupant or visitor has entered the premises for a long time. Multiple closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are installed on the house and adjoining buildings, with four to five lenses overlooking every approach road.
Local residents recall that prior to the high-profile murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, few in the neighbourhood were aware of Goldy's presence or background. It was only in the aftermath of that event that the public discovered his connection to the property. Consequently, visits by outsiders to the street dropped significantly. While police personnel were previously deployed full-time outside the residence, security forces now only conduct periodic vehicle patrols through the area.
Academic Aptitude, Sports, and the Transition to Student Politics
Goldy Brar's childhood gave little indication of his eventual criminal trajectory. He attended the nearby Bhai Mastana Singh School, where he maintained a strong academic record. He secured commendable marks in his Class 10 examinations and actively participated in sports, playing both kabaddi and hockey.
After completing his secondary schooling, Goldy relocated to Chandigarh for higher studies. During his time in the city, his trajectory altered as he became entangled in minor college disputes that escalated into active student politics. It was during this period that he established an association with Lawrence Bishnoi, a partnership that facilitated his entry into organized crime networks.
Rejection of Parental Appeals: 'Demolish the House, I Won't Return'
Goldy's father, Shamsher Singh, served in the Punjab Police before being compelled to take premature retirement at the age of 55. As Goldy's involvement in Chandigarh's student politics deepened, Shamsher frequently expressed concern to neighbours. He contemplated relocating with his wife to Chandigarh to supervise his son's studies and keep him away from criminal influences.
A former neighbour recalled conversations in which Shamsher pleaded with Goldy to abandon his associates and return home. During one interaction, Shamsher informed Goldy that the family house felt empty and promised to secure his bail even if legal troubles arose. Goldy refused the appeal, telling his father to demolish the house as he had no intention of returning. Shortly thereafter, Goldy departed for Canada on a student visa and cut off all communication with his parents.
The Fatal Catalyst: Cousin's Murder and Retaliation from Abroad
Goldy's ancestral roots lie in Burj Harika, a village situated in the Faridkot district of Punjab. His paternal uncle, Satpal Singh, resides there with his wife, Manjeet Kaur, who has served as the village sarpanch for seven years. The ancestral property includes a main brick mansion alongside older structures.
According to Satpal Singh, Goldy had been studying in Canada for roughly six months when his cousin, Gurlal, was shot dead in Chandigarh. Congress leader Gurlal Singh Pehalwan was named as an accused in that murder. In response, Goldy orchestrated the revenge killing of Gurlal Singh Pehalwan from Canada, an act that formally marked his full-scale entry into transnational gang operations.
Extortion Charges, Arrests, and a Disappeared Mother
Goldy's criminal record has directly impacted his immediate family. His father, Shamsher Singh, is currently incarcerated in Kapurthala Jail. In May 2026, Shamsher was arrested for allegedly attempting to extort money from a businessman in Phillaur.
This followed an earlier case registered in December 2024 involving extortion threats made to a government teacher in Sri Muktsar Sahib. The victim received WhatsApp calls from an international number demanding ₹50 lakh under threat of death. Police initially filed an FIR against unidentified individuals, but investigation points surfaced naming Shamsher and his wife, Preetpal, in January 2026. On 26 January 2026, police arrested the couple at a hotel in Amritsar. Preetpal was granted bail in March 2026. However, family members state she has been missing for the past two months, with her current whereabouts unknown.
Fractured Lineage and the Division of Ancestral Land
The wider family structure in Burj Harika has fractured under the weight of legal cases and public scrutiny. Shamsher Singh is the youngest of three brothers. The eldest brother passed away due to an illness several years ago, leaving a son who farms roughly two acres of land, while his two daughters are married.
Satpal Singh, the middle brother, owns five acres of land and lives with his family in the village. Originally, each of the three brothers inherited five acres from their ancestral holding. However, both the eldest brother and Shamsher sold three acres each from their shares. Shamsher utilized those funds to construct the residence in Muktsar. Today, Satpal's health is deteriorating, and police teams from Punjab and Delhi regularly visit the village to monitor potential links to Goldy Brar's international syndicate.
