Chandigarh: In another breakthrough against transnational organised crime, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has taken custody of Karamveer Singh, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi following his deportation from Canada.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said Karamveer Singh had provided logistical support and a hideout to Anmol Bishnoi in the US. He was wanted in the first information report (FIR) registered in Mohali under relevant sections of the IPC, the Arms Act and the Passport Act.
A Look Out Circular (LOC) was initiated by AGTF Punjab on September 3. He said the accused has a criminal history involving cases related to murder, attempt to murder, robbery, extortion, Arms Act offences and other criminal activities.
Further investigation is underway to uncover his wider criminal network and activities.
Last week, the AGTF and Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), with the assistance of Central agencies, secured the extradition of fugitive criminal Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam, a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, from Moldova.
The accused is wanted in multiple cases of murders, attempt to murder, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, narcotic offences, etc.
Amritpal Singh was detained by Moldovan authorities on February 24 while he was attempting to cross the Otaci state border towards Ukraine, following which, the extradition process against him was initiated through OFTEC Punjab.
During these proceedings, the ‘Court of Chisinau’ granted the extradition of Amritpal Singh to India on May 26. His appeal against the extradition order was also rejected by the ‘Court of Appeal Centru’ on July 16, thereby making the extradition order final.
The accused was taken into custody by the team of Punjab Police from Chisinau Airport in Moldova and arrived at the IGI Airport on September 12.
“This is the first-ever extradition secured by Punjab Police from a European country, marking a significant milestone in our fight against organised crime,” the DGP had said, while adding the operation marks the successful culmination of ‘Operation Eastern Reach’ — a six-month-long intelligence-led international manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering and close coordination with national and international agencies.
(IANS)
