Chandigarh, February 4, 2025: Punjab Police have compiled detailed case files on nearly 100 wanted criminals, including 20 suspected to be hiding in the United States, as the first batch of deported illegal immigrants is set to arrive in India.
According to senior officials, while the likelihood of hardened criminals being on this flight remains low, authorities have been preparing for potential extradition ever since US President Donald Trump intensified the crackdown on illegal immigrants and fugitives.
Punjab Police Ready with Criminal Dossiers
“The Counter-Intelligence Unit, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and Anti-Gangster Task Force have been working together to update the criminal records. These case files are maintained routinely, and necessary details are added as required,” said a senior police officer.
Officials believe the US administration’s strict stance against harboring criminals on American soil could accelerate the deportation or extradition of Punjab-based gangsters and separatists, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the head of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), who is accused of encouraging illegal immigration from Punjab.
High-Profile Fugitives on Police Radar
Among the criminals suspected to be in the US are Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and a key accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case. Others include:
- Happy Passia, linked to recent grenade attacks on police facilities in Punjab.
- Sarwan Bhola, a major drug smuggler.
- Gopi Nawanshehria, involved in organized crime.
Legal Framework for Deportation and Extradition
Police sources confirmed that all necessary documents, including Red Corner Notices (RCNs) issued through Interpol, have been prepared to facilitate the extradition process. Authorities are also investigating the role of human traffickers and illegal travel agents who smuggled people out of Punjab through unauthorized channels.
Awaiting Confirmation of Deportees’ Identities
So far, Punjab Police have not received any official confirmation regarding the identities of those deported by the US via a special Army aircraft. The department is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to gather more details about the returnees.
With the US ramping up its efforts against fugitives and illegal immigrants, Punjab Police anticipate further developments in the coming weeks regarding the extradition of wanted criminals hiding abroad.
