Punjab Police extradites fugitive gangster Amrit Dalam from Moldova after six-month manhunt

Punjab Police has brought back Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam, a key operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, after securing his extradition from the Republic of Moldova with central agency support.

Mr. Dalam faces charges in multiple cases spanning murder, attempt to murder, violations under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and narcotic offences.

First European extradition by Punjab Police

The state's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav described the development as "the first-ever extradition secured by Punjab Police from a European country, marking a significant milestone in our fight against organised crime". He asserted that the extradition represented a breakthrough against transnational organised crime.

Six-month intelligence operation

The fugitive was brought back through Operation Eastern Reach, a six-month intelligence-led international manhunt that relied on sustained surveillance and coordination between the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell, working alongside central agencies and international partners.

Mr. Yadav commended the AGTF and OFTEC for their relentless efforts. He also thanked the Moldovan authorities, Azerbaijan authorities, the International Police Cooperation Unit and Central Bureau of Investigation, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs, and all other central agencies involved in the international cooperation.

Source: The Hindu