The FBI adds Indian-origin gangster Nitish Kaushal to its Most Wanted list and subsequently arrests him in Vermont, US, according to multiple reports. Kaushal is identified as an alleged associate connected to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group. The FBI says it wanted Kaushal for alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organisation and lists offences including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling. The agency also characterises him as “armed and dangerous” and an “escape risk” and urges the public to share information with the FBI, or US embassy/consulate contacts.
Several outlets report that the arrest comes days after the FBI placed him on the Most Wanted list. One report says the arrest follows “Operation Hard Ball,” an international enforcement effort targeting the Bhagwanpuria gang that involved action in the US, Canada and Europe. Another report notes that a federal arrest warrant was issued after charges in the US District Court for the Central District of California related to racketeer influenced and corrupt organisations conspiracy. Other reporting links the crackdown to separate US cases involving alleged associates of the Lawrence Bishnoi network, including prosecutors’ charges related to an assassination.
