Who is Nitish Kaushal? Punjab-based gangster arrested in US after FBI most wanted notice

Days after being added to the FBI's Most Wanted list, alleged Bhagwanpuria gang associate Nitish Kaushal has been arrested in the US. Here's what the FBI and US authorities have said.

Gangster Nitish Kaushal arrested in US (Img: X)

New Delhi: Punjab-based alleged gangster Nitish Kaushal, an associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, has been arrested by US law enforcement authorities in Vermont, days after being added to the FBI's Most Wanted list.

The arrest was announced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday. Kaushal was among 11 fugitives who were not in US custody after 34 individuals were charged in connection with organised crime groups linked to India.

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Wanted on RICO conspiracy charges

According to the FBI, Kaushal was wanted for his alleged involvement in the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group (OCG), which originated in Punjab and allegedly operated in the United States and other countries.

US authorities allege the gang was involved in murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.

The FBI also alleged that Kaushal carried out violent acts, including kidnappings and assaults, on behalf of the criminal organisation.

Could face life imprisonment

An arrest warrant against Kaushal was issued on June 25 by the US District Court for the Central District of California after he was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy.

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The US Justice Department said that most of the accused, including Kaushal, could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.

Operation Hard Ball

Kaushal's arrest comes weeks after US authorities launched Operation Hard Ball, an operation targeting organised crime networks linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Dhanda gangs.

According to US authorities, the Bhagwanpuria gang has more than 1,000 members and associates worldwide, with operations spanning the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.