Punjab, February 4:
With the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States underway, Punjab Police have compiled detailed criminal records of nearly 100 fugitives. Among them, around 20 individuals are suspected to be residing in the US.
A senior police official mentioned, “There is a low probability that the flight would carry dangerous criminals wanted in Punjab and elsewhere in the country, but ever since US President Donald Trump ordered a crackdown on illegal immigrants and criminals, we have been working on finalising the criminal files to facilitate deportation or extradition.”
The task of compiling these records has been undertaken by the Counter-Intelligence unit, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and the Anti-Gangster Task Force. The official further explained, “The case history of about 100 criminals was already being finalised by the Counter-Intelligence unit, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and the Anti-Gangster Task Force. We maintain the files in routine and just plug the requirements, if any.”
The Punjab Police have long been advocating for the extradition of criminals operating from foreign soil. “The announcement by the US President that he will not allow his country’s soil to be used for violence was encouraging for Punjab Police, as we have been seeking the deportation or extradition of wanted criminals, including Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) head Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. He has been encouraging illegal immigration from Punjab. So, we prepared the case files immediately to facilitate this process,” the official added.
Several high-profile criminals wanted in Punjab are believed to be hiding in the US. These include Anmol Bishnoi, accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case and younger brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, as well as Happy Passia, linked to recent grenade attacks on police establishments. Others on the list include drug smuggler Sarwan Bhola and Gopi Nawanshehria.
Law enforcement agencies have also gathered the necessary documentation, such as Red Corner Notices (RCNs), which are critical for deportation and extradition proceedings. A police source stated, “We are not immediately concerned about the illegal immigrants, other than exploring the role of illegal travel agents who sent them abroad through donkey routes and other illegal channels. This would be subject to complaints filed by the deported persons.”
Currently, Punjab Police are awaiting confirmation regarding the identities of individuals returning on the special US Army flight. Coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to streamline the deportation process.
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