In a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime, Punjab and Haryana Police have successfully tracked down and arrested two wanted Indian gangsters in the African nation of Angola. The arrests mark another significant step in India's efforts to crack down on criminal syndicates operating beyond its borders, with authorities now initiating the process to bring the accused back to India.
The two arrested gangsters have been identified as Varinder, alias Joban Saidoke, and Manjot. While Varinder was wanted in connection with four sensational murder cases in Punjab, Manjot was facing multiple criminal cases registered in Haryana. Both are believed to be active members of the notorious Gopi Ghanshampuria and Dony Bal gangs, which have been linked to several violent crimes and organised criminal activities.
Punjab Police had earlier announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Varinder alias Joban Saidoke due to his alleged involvement in multiple high-profile murders. His capture is being seen as a major success for law enforcement agencies, which have been pursuing him for several years.
Officials said the legal process to extradite both gangsters to India has already begun. Once brought back, they are expected to face trial in the various criminal cases registered against them in Punjab and Haryana.
The operation also highlights growing cooperation between Indian law enforcement agencies and international counterparts in tracing fugitives who attempt to evade justice by fleeing overseas.
The arrests come amid an intensified global crackdown on organised crime networks involving India-origin gangsters. In a separate but significant development, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States recently arrested alleged gangster Nitish Kaushal in Vermont.
Kaushal, who was added to the FBI's Most Wanted list just days before his arrest, is accused of involvement in murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking and other organised crimes. According to the FBI, he is an associate of jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and allegedly committed violent acts on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria organised crime group.
Kaushal's arrest was carried out under Operation Hard Ball, an FBI initiative aimed at dismantling organised criminal syndicates linked to India-origin gangsters operating across international borders.
The operation focuses on transnational crime involving offences such as:
The FBI had stated that Kaushal was wanted for participating in a transnational criminal organisation engaged in these activities and was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. A federal arrest warrant had been issued against him by the US District Court for the Central District of California on June 25.
According to the FBI, the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group originated in Punjab but has expanded its operations internationally, including in the United States, particularly in California, as well as other regions.
The agency said its action against Kaushal followed Operation Hard Wall, a coordinated international enforcement campaign targeting the Bhagwanpuria network. The operation involved law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada and several European countries conducting raids and coordinated action against members of the syndicate.
The arrests in Angola and the FBI's recent operations underscore the increasing international collaboration among law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised criminal networks with roots in India. As these gangs expand their operations across multiple countries, intelligence sharing, coordinated investigations and extradition efforts have become critical tools in bringing fugitives to justice.
For Indian agencies, the successful arrests of Varinder alias Joban Saidoke and Manjot represent a major achievement in pursuing fugitives beyond national borders and reinforce the message that criminals cannot evade the law simply by fleeing overseas. With extradition proceedings now underway, both accused are expected to be brought back to India to face prosecution for the crimes allegedly committed in Punjab and Haryana.
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