Punjab Police Extradites Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang Operative From Moldova

Punjab Police has extradited a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang from the Republic of Moldova with assistance from central agencies and international law enforcement partners, marking the state force’s first-ever extradition from a European country.

The fugitive, identified as Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Dalam, was wanted by Punjab Police in several criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder, offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act violations and narcotics-related offences.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the extradition was the outcome of Operation Eastern Reach, a six-month international manhunt carried out through coordinated efforts by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC).

The operation involved close coordination with central agencies and international partners, enabling authorities to trace and secure the return of the accused from Moldova through the established legal and extradition process.

Yadav described the development as a significant milestone in Punjab’s efforts to dismantle organised criminal networks operating across international borders.

The DGP also acknowledged the cooperation extended by Moldovan and Azerbaijani authorities, along with the IPCU-CBI, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs, in facilitating the fugitive’s extradition.

The case highlights the growing importance of cross-border police cooperation and coordinated legal mechanisms in tracking fugitives who evade investigation and prosecution by moving overseas.

Punjab Police had established OFTEC under IGP Ashish Choudhary to expedite the identification, tracing and extradition of gangsters and other wanted criminals based abroad.

Officials said the latest operation demonstrates the state police’s increasing focus on pursuing fugitives beyond India’s borders through collaboration with foreign authorities and central investigative agencies.