Two days after the double explosions, the owner of the Sector-26 club was detained for extortion

Two days after crude blasts near two bar-lounges in Chandigarh’s upscale Sector 26, police have arrested the owner of one of the establishments.

The son of a former Chandigarh police officer, Arjun Thakur, who co-owns De’Orra Club, has links with notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

He was arrested on Thursday after Nikhil Chaudhary, co-owner of De’Orra Club, filed a police complaint alleging that Thakur had threatened him and extorted ₹50,000 per month as ‘protection money’.

Chaudhary, a resident of Shiva Enclave in Nabha, Patiala, claims he owns 25% stake in the bar, which is run by Prestine Hospitality.

According to the complaint, Chaudhary sold a 10% stake to Tek Chand Singla, a silent partner of Nabha, but business disputes with Singla allegedly gave Thakur an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. “Thakur used his influence and criminal background to forcefully transfer my remaining share to his name,” claimed Chaudhary.

Chaudhary also alleged that Thakur repeatedly made verbal threats, warning that failure to comply would result in serious harm. “I stopped going to the restaurant because of fear two months ago. A few days ago, Thakur confronted me outside the club, repeating his demands and threats. I constantly fear for my safety,” Chaudhary said in his complaint.

A case under section 308 (4) BNS was registered against Thakur at Sector-26 police station. The police secured a two-day remand for Thakur.

Thakur has a criminal record including charges of attempted murder for his involvement in the 2018 shooting at F-Bar, also located in Sector 26. Last year, the Punjab police busted a racket linked to Bishnoi, arresting three operatives, including Thakur.

Thakur will be checked for explosives

The explosions outside the Seville Bar & Lounge and De’Orra Club early Tuesday have prompted police to investigate multiple angles, including a rivalry between De’Orra Club partners. Thakur will also be questioned about his possible involvement in the blasts and any personal rivalry that may have motivated the attack.

Meanwhile, the police have not yet arrested the suspects involved in the explosions. According to information, the suspects may be hiding near Haryana, but they remain at large.