FBI adds gangster Nitish Kaushal on most wanted list in crackdown on Jaggu Bhagwanpuria syndicate
PTC News Desk: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed Nitish Kaushal, an alleged member of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group (OCG), on its most wanted list as part of a wider crackdown on transnational criminal networks linked to India.
According to the FBI, Kaushal is accused of being associated with the Bhagwanpuria OCG, a criminal organization that originated in Punjab and is alleged to have operated in California and other regions. The agency claims the group has been involved in several serious offences, including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons smuggling, money laundering, and human trafficking. Kaushal is also accused of carrying out violent acts on behalf of the organization, including kidnappings and assaults.
On June 25, 2026, a federal arrest warrant was issued against Kaushal by the US District Court for the Central District of California after he was charged with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The move follows the FBI's Operation Hard Ball, an international law enforcement campaign aimed at dismantling the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria network. The operation included raids and coordinated action across the United States, Canada, and Europe, reflecting increased global efforts to tackle organized crime groups with links to India.
The addition of Nitish Kaushal to the FBI's most wanted list is being seen as another major step in the agency's pursuit of individuals allegedly connected to the Bhagwanpuria crime syndicate operating across multiple countries.
- With inputs from agencies
