Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Punjab’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has secured the deportation of Gurwinder alias Afridi, a key member of the Doni Bal–Prabh Dassuwal gang, from Ethiopia following a 10-month international manhunt, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said.
The operation, carried out under the name Operation SHAHID, involved the AGTF, the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Punjab‘s Counter Intelligence wing and central agencies. Intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking operations were conducted across several countries in Asia, South America and Africa to locate the fugitive.
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According to the preliminary investigation, Gurwinder was directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents and other organised criminal activities in Punjab while operating from abroad.
The Punjab government had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Announcing the development, DGP Gaurav Yadav said the successful operation was the result of sustained coordination between state and central agencies, along with international cooperation.
10-MONTH INTERNATIONAL MANHUNT
The operation involved tracking the accused across multiple countries and regions, with investigators relying on intelligence inputs and surveillance to establish his whereabouts.
The AGTF worked in coordination with OFTEC, which handles the tracking of fugitives operating outside India, while central agencies extended support to the operation.
Officials said the coordinated efforts eventually led to Gurwinder’s deportation from Ethiopia to India. The operation was conducted under the name Operation SHAHID.
The DGP also acknowledged the role of the Ministry of External Affairs and other central agencies in facilitating the international cooperation required to secure the deportation.
ACCUSED LINKED TO TARGETED KILLINGS, EXTORTION FIRINGS
Preliminary investigations indicate that Gurwinder was allegedly directing criminal activities in Punjab from abroad, including targeted killings and firing incidents linked to extortion.
He is also described by the Punjab Police as a key kingpin of the Doni Bal–Prabh Dassuwal gang, which has been linked to organised criminal activities in the state.
The deportation is being viewed as a significant development in the Punjab Police’s efforts to track down gang members operating from foreign countries and dismantle their networks.
Further details about the cases registered against Gurwinder, the specific incidents in which he is suspected to have played a role and the next steps in the investigation were not immediately available.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
