Ludhiana, June 21 -- The Ludhiana police have claimed to have foiled an extortion-linked firing bid allegedly orchestrated by gangster Balwinder Singh, alias Doni Bal, by arresting two of his alleged associates before they could target a city businessman.

The arrested accused, Rajvir Singh, alias Raji and Sukhwinder Singh, alias Neela, both residents of Baddowal village in Mullanpur Dakha, were allegedly assigned the task of opening fire at the businessman's residence to create fear ahead of an extortion demand, police said.

The police have recovered two illegal .30-bore pistols and nine live cartridges from the accused.

According to officers, preliminary investigations revealed that the duo was in contact with Doni Bal and his aide Ar...