Punjab announces cash reward on 28 wanted gangsters operating from abroad
Gangsters operating from abroad cash reward: The Punjab Government on Friday announced cash rewards for 28 proclaimed offenders involved in extortion, targeted killings and cross-border smuggling of arms and drugs. Many of these fugitives have been operating from foreign countries for years and have not returned to India.
The rewards, ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, have been announced under the “Gangster-Free Punjab” campaign. The government also published full-page advertisements in newspapers, carrying photographs and details of the accused to seek public assistance.
According to officials, these gangsters are linked to hundreds of criminal cases registered across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Delhi. Despite being abroad, they continue to run operations remotely from countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Brazil and Pakistan.
Among those carrying the highest reward is Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, a Tarn Taran native currently based in Canada. Designated as a terrorist under UAPA, he is linked to Babbar Khalsa International and is accused of masterminding the 2022 RPG attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali. He is also believed to be involved in a narco-terror network operating with support from Pakistan-based handlers. Police records show over 30 cases against him, and several of his accomplices have already been arrested.
Another key figure is Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, also from Tarn Taran, who was allegedly operating from Pakistan. He has been associated with terror activities and is believed to have played a central role in coordinating links between gangsters, terrorists, and drug networks. Though reports of his death surfaced in 2022, authorities continue to list him as a wanted terrorist.
Gaurav Putyal alias Lucky Patial, a Chandigarh-linked gangster, is suspected to be hiding in the United States. He took over the Bambiha gang after its founder’s death and is linked to multiple high-profile murder cases and attacks, including the 2018 firing incident involving singer Parmish Verma.
Balwinder Singh alias Doni Bal, believed to be in the United Kingdom, is associated with the Gopi Ghanshampuria gang. With over 30 criminal cases against him, he has claimed involvement in multiple killings in Punjab.
Prabhdeep Singh alias Prabh Dasuwal, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is reportedly hiding in Brazil. He is wanted in cases related to murder, extortion, and illegal weapons.
Several other Category A gangsters, including Sutinderjit Singh and Satbir Singh, also feature in this top reward bracket.
In the second category, Rohit Godara alias Rawataram Swami, a close aide of Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, is wanted in connection with major crimes, including the 2022 killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala. He is believed to be operating from Europe and managing extortion networks across multiple states.
Hari Boxer, originally from Rajasthan, is another key accused linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He allegedly entered the United States illegally in 2024 and is wanted in murder cases in Punjab. Reports suggest he was detained by US authorities earlier this year, though his extradition is still pending.
Aditya Kapoor alias Makhan, associated with the Doni Bal network, has also been named in multiple criminal cases. He was earlier arrested with illegal arms but is now wanted again in fresh cases.
The remaining names include operatives linked to different criminal networks, all accused of serious offences such as murder, extortion, and arms trafficking.
Many of these fugitives are based across continents, including North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. They allegedly use encrypted communication, hawala channels and local recruits to carry out crimes in India.
Under Operation Prahar, the Punjab Police have set up a dedicated Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell led by a senior officer. The department is working closely with international agencies to bring these criminals back to India.
So far, Interpol Red Corner Notices have been issued against 23 of the accused, and efforts are underway to secure notices for the rest.
The government has also launched a helpline (93946-93946) and assured that the identity of informers will remain confidential. Authorities have urged the public to share any credible information that could help track down these gangsters.
- With inputs from agencies
