Punjab-based gangster Nitish Kaushal, an alleged associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, has been arrested by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Vermont, weeks after being named among the agency’s most wanted fugitives.
The arrest marks another significant development in the United States’ ongoing crackdown on transnational organised crime networks with links to India.
Arrest Follows Operation Hard Ball
According to the FBI, Kaushal’s arrest comes weeks after Operation Hard Ball, a large-scale law enforcement operation in which 15 members of three organised crime groups linked to India were arrested in the United States.
US authorities have charged 34 individuals in connection with the activities of the Bishnoi, Bhagwanpuria, and Dhanda organised crime groups. Before his arrest, Kaushal was among 11 accused individuals who remained fugitives or were not in US custody.
An arrest warrant against Kaushal was issued on June 25 by the US District Court for the Central District of California under charges related to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy.
Serious Criminal Allegations
In a statement, the FBI alleged that Kaushal was involved in the activities of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group, which is accused of engaging in a range of criminal offences, including:
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Drug trafficking
- Extortion
- Weapons trafficking
- Money laundering
- Human smuggling
Investigators also alleged that Kaushal participated in acts of violence on behalf of the organisation, including kidnappings and assaults.
The allegations remain part of the ongoing criminal proceedings.
Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence if Convicted
The US Department of Justice said that individuals charged in the case, including Kaushal, could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.
The final sentence, if any, will depend on the outcome of the judicial process.
Bhagwanpuria Gang’s Global Network
According to US authorities, the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang originated in Punjab under the leadership of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is currently imprisoned in India.
Investigators allege that the organisation has expanded internationally, with more than 1,000 members and associates worldwide, including over 100 individuals in the United States. The group is also alleged to operate in Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
The gang is accused of involvement in organised crime, extortion and transnational criminal activities across multiple countries.
Alleged Links to Corrupt Officials
US investigators have also alleged that members of the Bhagwanpuria gang worked with corrupt law enforcement officials in India to extort money from victims.
One case cited by prosecutors involves Punjab Police officer Gurinderjit Singh, who has been accused of acting on behalf of the gang to allegedly extort approximately $400,000 from a family based in Los Angeles.
The case remains under investigation.
