Punjab Police have compiled criminal histories for nearly 100 wanted criminals, with 20 suspected to be hiding in the United States. This comes as the first flight of deported illegal immigrants heads back to India.
A senior police official explained that while the flight is unlikely to carry dangerous criminals, the crackdown on illegal immigrants ordered by US President Donald Trump has prompted action. Punjab Police have been finalising case files to assist with the deportation or extradition of criminals. The files are being handled by the Counter-Intelligence unit, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and the Anti-Gangster Task Force.
“We maintain these files as part of our routine work,” the official said. “We just make updates as required.” The US government’s commitment to not allowing its soil to be used for criminal activity has been encouraging. Punjab Police have long sought the deportation or extradition of wanted criminals, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, the head of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Pannu is accused of promoting illegal immigration from Punjab.
Also read: US deports Indian migrants amid Trump's immigration crackdown
The official added that the start of deportations could prompt the US to take more decisive action against Punjab-based gangsters operating there. These gangsters have been linked to violence and criminal activity in the region.
Among the wanted criminals believed to be in the US are Anmol Bishnoi, who is accused of involvement in the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala. Bishnoi is the younger brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Others include Happy Passia, who is linked to grenade attacks on police installations in Punjab, drug smuggler Sarwan Bhola, and gangster Gopi Nawanshehria.
Punjab Police have prepared Red Corner Notices (RCNs), which are necessary for the deportation or extradition of these criminals.
Police sources have stated that the primary concern is not the deported immigrants themselves, but the illegal travel agents who facilitated their journey abroad. Investigations into these agents are underway, with a focus on those who used illegal channels, such as ‘donkey routes.’
So far, Punjab Police have not received details about the identity of the deported individuals. However, they are in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to learn more about the deportation process and the identity of those sent back to India.
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