Chandigarh/New Delhi, 4 February 2025: As the first deportation flight carrying illegal Indian immigrants from the United States heads to India, Punjab Police have compiled case files on nearly 100 wanted criminals, including 20 believed to be hiding in the US, officials said.
A senior police official 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 and criminals, 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.
The Trump administration’s stance against harboring criminals has encouraged Punjab Police to push for the return of fugitives, including Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who, according to police, has been promoting illegal immigration from Punjab.
“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.
“Action against illegal travel agents will depend on complaints from deportees,” sources said.
So far, Punjab Police have not received details about the identities of those on the special US Army deportation flight.
Authorities are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to obtain further information.