Punjab Police has successfully extradited Amritpal Singh, a key member of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, from the Republic of Moldova, marking a historic first for the state police in securing an extradition from a European nation. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav confirmed this achievement on Saturday, noting that the extradition follows a six-month international search known as Operation Eastern Reach. This accomplishment is viewed as a vital step in the state’s ongoing battle against organised crime.

Amritpal Singh, also known as Amrit Dalam, is wanted for various serious offences, including multiple counts of murder, attempts to murder, as well as violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act, along with drug-related charges. Yadav expressed that this extradition is a testament to the Punjab Police’s commitment to combatting criminal elements.

Singh was apprehended on February 24 by Moldovan authorities while attempting to cross the Otaci state border into Ukraine. Following his arrest, the Punjab Police’s Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell initiated steps to facilitate his return to India, successfully obtaining an extradition ruling from the Court of Chisinau on May 26.

Challenges and Coordination in Extradition Process

The process faced several challenges, including Singh’s appeals against extradition, which were dismissed by an appeals court on July 16. This complex operation required collaboration across borders, as Yadav highlighted the role of the Anti-Gangster Task Force, OFTEC, central agencies, and international partners in the successful outcome.

A specially formed team from the Punjab Police, comprising Superintendent of Police Bikramjit Singh Brar, Inspector Pushvinder Singh, Sub-Inspector Jaspreet Singh, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Varinder Kumar, was dispatched to Moldova to facilitate Singh’s return. They took him into custody at Chisinau Airport on Friday and arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi early on Saturday.

The successful collaboration extended beyond local authorities, as Yadav conveyed gratitude to Moldovan authorities, Azerbaijan authorities, the International Police Cooperation Unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation, and relevant ministries for their assistance throughout the process. This cooperative effort showcases an effective diplomatic approach to dealing with transnational crime.

Ongoing Efforts in Tracking Fugitives

Additional Director General of Police, AGTF, Promod Ban, reiterated the severity of the crimes attributed to Singh, highlighting his alleged involvement in several murders, including those of Dalbir Singh in 2019 and multiple individuals in 2025. He stated that Singh had fled India in October 2024 using a fraudulent passport, further complicating law enforcement’s task of tracking his movements.

With Singh’s extradition, Inspector General of Police Ashish Choudhary noted that the establishment of OFTEC has already led to the repatriation of nine high-priority fugitives since its inception. Choudhary also revealed that two extradition requests made this year have been successful, including one involving fugitive Amritpal Mehron from the United Arab Emirates. He added that there are ongoing efforts to extradite an additional eleven fugitives currently residing abroad, underlining the Punjab Police’s strategic focus on dealing with international crime syndicates.

The comprehensive efforts by the Punjab Police, in conjunction with various international agencies, illustrate a growing commitment to enhancing security and reducing the influence of organised crime within the state. This extradition is not just a significant achievement for Punjab but also reflects a broader strategy to bolster international cooperation in law enforcement efforts against transnational crime.

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