Punjab Police extradites fugitive from Moldova, 1st from European country
What's the story
The Punjab Police has successfully extradited fugitive criminal Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Dalam from the Republic of Moldova. This is the first time the force has secured an extradition from a European country, marking a major breakthrough in its fight against transnational organized crime. Singh is a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang and is wanted for multiple offenses, including murder, attempted murder, violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act and drug-related crimes.
Extradition operation
Extradition part of 'Operation Eastern Reach'
The extradition was part of "Operation Eastern Reach," a six-month intelligence-led international manhunt.
The operation was carried out by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab and the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) Punjab in close coordination with central agencies and international partners.
The successful operation involved sustained surveillance and cooperation between various law enforcement agencies across different countries.
Official commendation
DGP Yadav thanks Moldovan authorities for cooperation
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has praised the relentless efforts of AGTF and OFTEC teams in bringing Singh back to India.
He thanked the Moldovan and Azerbaijani authorities for their cooperation in the operation.
The DGP also acknowledged support from other Indian central agencies including the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU)-Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of External Affairs, among others.
Ongoing campaign
Gangster campaign enters 235th day
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police's "Gangstran Te Vaar" campaign has entered its 235th day. The campaign involves conducting raids at locations linked to gangster associates across the state.
On Friday alone, police conducted 601 raids and made four weapon recoveries, along with arresting 261 people.
Since launching this campaign on January 20, a total of 69,703 arrests have been made, with preventive action taken against another 236 people.