India’s security agencies, following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs, have compiled a list of 12 US-based gangsters, as per sources. This list will likely be shared with US authorities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States after Donald Trump’s return to power.
“Following the MHA’s directions, the list of 12 criminals was prepared and their criminal dossiers were attached. Also attached is a note on the efforts of Indian agencies (to bring them back),” said a source familiar with the development.
According to Indian Express, notorious gangsters like Anmol Bishnoi and Goldy Brar are named in the list. While central agencies already tracked fugitives living abroad, they were recently tasked with identifying criminals specifically residing in the US and updating their case statuses.
As per sources, these US-based gangsters collaborate with Pakistan-based smugglers to traffic narcotics into India via drones and sea routes. They use VPNs and encrypted messaging apps to conceal locations and communications, making detection difficult. Their operations involve large drug consignments, posing a significant security challenge.
The list is also said to feature Darmanjot Singh Kahlon, also known as Darman Kahlon, along with Amritpal Singh, Harjot Singh, Harbir Singh, and Navroop Singh. Others named include Swaran Singh, alias Fauji, Sahil Kailash Ritoli, Yogesh, also called Bobby Beri, Ashu, identified as Bhanu Pratap Sambhli and Aman Sambhi.
Who are these gangsters?
Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and alleged mastermind of the conspiracy to murder NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, was arrested in the US last November for travelling with fake documents. He has remained in prison since.
Meanwhile, Goldy Brar, a key Bishnoi gang member, was labelled a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Accused of orchestrating Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, Brar, originally Satinderjit Singh, moved from Punjab’s Faridkot to Canada in 2017 before settling in California.
Another gangster on the list, Darmanjot Singh Kahlon, from Talwandi Khuman village in Amritsar, allegedly supplied weapons and conducted Moosewala’s recce. He links Canada-based BKI operative Lakhbir Singh, alias Landa, to Lawrence Bishnoi’s syndicate. He has been involved in smuggling weapons, explosives, and heroin into India from Pakistan.
Amritpal Singh, also known as Amrit Bal, moved to the US in 2014. A key member of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, he oversees its Punjab operations. In 2023, he partnered with Paramjit Singh Pamma to establish terror modules in Punjab.