1. A hired thug, gangster, or violent criminal, especially in South Asia.
Usage: informal; chiefly Indian English

Examples

• The local goondas were known for extorting money from shop owners.
• He hired a goonda to intimidate his business rival.
• The police arrested several goondas involved in the street violence.
• Goondas often work for politicians during election campaigns.
• The neighborhood was terrorized by a gang of goondas.