Washington: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has intensified its crackdown on the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang by adding alleged gangster Nitish Kaushal to its Most Wanted list for his alleged involvement in murder, kidnapping and drug trafficking in the United States.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FBI said Kaushal, an Indian national, is allegedly linked to the Bhagwanpuria organised crime group and is accused of carrying out violent crimes, including kidnappings and assaults.
According to the FBI, Kaushal is allegedly part of a transnational criminal organisation involved in murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, arms trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking. The agency warned that he should be considered armed, dangerous and a flight risk, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest FBI office, US Embassy or Consulate.
The FBI said the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group originated in Punjab, India, and has expanded its operations to several countries, including the Central District of California. A US District Court in Los Angeles issued an arrest warrant against Kaushal on June 25 on charges of conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The action is part of Operation Hard Ball, an international investigation targeting the Bhagwanpuria gang. The operation includes coordinated raids and legal action across the United States, Canada and Europe as authorities step up efforts to dismantle transnational criminal syndicates with roots in India.
