Chandigarh/Patiala, 16 February 2025: Patiala police arrested two youths, Sandeep and Pradeep, who were deported from the United States.
According to Punjab Police, both were absconders in a murder case registered under FIR 175/23 in Rajpura.
Authorities had been searching for the duo for a long time before their return from the US. Upon their deportation, police took them into custody, bringing them back into the legal process, Police said.
Punjab Police have compiled case files on nearly 100 wanted criminals, including 20 believed to be hiding in the US, officials said.
Earlier, Police mentioned that while it is unlikely the flight will include high-profile criminals wanted in Punjab, authorities have been preparing case histories to facilitate deportation or extradition.
“Ever since US President Donald Trump ordered a crackdown on illegal immigrants, we have been finalizing these files,” the official said.
Punjab’s Counter-Intelligence Unit, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and Anti-Gangster Task Force have worked together on the records, which are routinely updated. “We just plug in additional requirements as needed,” the official added.
“With deportations now underway, the US may also act against gangsters operating from its soil and fueling violence in Punjab,” the official stated.
Among those believed to be in the US are Anmol Bishnoi, accused in the Sidhu Moosewala murder and younger brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, as well as Happy Passia, linked to recent grenade attacks on Punjab police facilities. Others include drug trafficker Sarwan Bhola and gangster Gopi Nawanshehria.
Punjab Police have compiled the necessary case files and Red Corner Notices (RCNs) to facilitate deportations and extraditions. While police are not immediately focused on deported illegal immigrants, they are investigating human trafficking networks that arranged their travel through illicit channels.