Gunfight rocks Gurugram's posh Sushant Lok: Over 60 shots fired, 4 gangsters killed

A dramatic shootout in Gurugram’s posh Sushant Lok Colony has brought alleged gangster Deepak Nandal back into the limelight. The encounter took place late Thursday night at A Block of Sushant Lok after five alleged members of the Nandal gang entered the residence of property businessman Vishal Beri, son of the university’s founder SGT, and allegedly held him hostage, news agency PTI reported.

Police say a former Haryanvi music producer, who was once associated with popular artistes, now heads an international extortion syndicate operating from overseas.

Crime Squad teams rushed to the house after receiving information about armed men inside the property, police told PTI. According to police, the suspects opened fire when they were asked to surrender, leading to a prolonged gunfight.

More than 60 shots were fired during the operation. Four alleged gang members were killed while one was injured. Three policemen also sustained gunshot wounds and Beri was rescued safely.

Residents of one of Gurugram’s wealthiest neighborhoods reported hearing repeated bursts of gunfire before police secured the area, with the incident resembling scenes from an action movie.

From music producer to wanted gangster

Before the police identified him as one of Haryana’s most wanted criminals, Nandal, who spent his early years in Rohtak, was associated with the Haryanvi music industry.

According to reports in 2020, he was an old associate of singer Rahul Fazilpuria and rapper Badshah. Nandal produced the original Haryanvi version of Kar Gayi Chull as well as songs including 2 Many Girls and Haryana Roadways. He also appeared alongside the artists in their music videos.

In an interview published that year, Nandal described Badshah and Fazilpuria as “like my brothers”.

One of his first controversies was connected to these friendships. In 2019, he attacked social media influencer Deepak Kalal for allegedly making derogatory comments against Fazilpuria.

Overseas criminal network

Police say Nandal later became involved in local feuds and illegal arms smuggling before branching out into extortion and contract killings.

Investigators believe he left India in 2023 and since then has been directing criminal activities from abroad, possibly from the United Kingdom. The police say they use local recruits from Haryana, Delhi-NCR and neighboring states like Punjab to coordinate operations through encrypted messaging platforms and social media.

The police have not officially disclosed the country they are currently operating from. However, investigators have previously said he is believed to have operated in the UAE, UK and Canada. A legal process to secure a Red Corner notice against him is said to be ongoing.