Indian-Origin Gangster Nitish Kaushal Arrested In US Days After Being Added To FBI's Most Wanted List

Last Updated:July 17, 2026, 09:24 IST

Indian-origin gangster Nitish Kaushal, an alleged associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, was arrested in Vermont, US. He was on the FBI's Most Wanted list.

Indian-origin gangster Nitish Kaushal, an alleged associate of the Punjab-based Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, has been arrested in the US days after being added to the FBI’s Most Wanted list.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on Thursday that Kaushal was taken into custody by US law enforcement authorities in Vermont. His arrest comes weeks after US agencies launched Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated crackdown that led to the arrest of 15 members of three organised crime groups with links to India.

US authorities have charged 34 individuals in connection with the activities of the Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Dhanda organised crime groups. Before his arrest, Kaushal was among the 11 accused who remained fugitives or were not in US custody.

Nitish Kaushal On FBI’s Most Wanted List

Kaushal was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Conspiracy, following which the US District Court for the Central District of California issued an arrest warrant against him on June 25.

Detailing the allegations, the FBI said on its website, “Kaushal is wanted for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organisation engaged in, among other things, acts involving murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling. This organization, known as the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group (the “Bhagwanpuria OCG"), originated in the Punjab state of India and operated in the Central District of California and elsewhere. Kaushal is alleged to have carried out acts of violence on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria OCG, including, but not limited to, kidnappings and assaults."

Also Read: Who Is Nitish Kaushal? Indian-Origin Man Added To FBI’s Most Wanted List

According to US authorities, most of those charged in the case, including Kaushal, “a mandatory minimum prison sentence between 10 years in federal prison and life imprisonment, and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison."

All About Bhagwanpuria Gang

According to the FBI, Kaushal is wanted for his alleged role in the Bhagwanpuria OCG. Investigators allege that Kaushal personally carried out violent acts on behalf of the syndicate, including kidnappings and assaults.

The FBI has warned that Kaushal should be considered armed and dangerous and said he poses an escape risk. It has appealed to the public to share any information about his whereabouts with the nearest FBI office or a US Embassy or Consulate.

A federal arrest warrant was issued against Kaushal on June 25, 2026, by the US District Court for the Central District of California after he was charged with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.ang

The US Department of Justice said the Bhagwanpuria gang was founded in Punjab by Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, 38, who is currently lodged in an Indian prison. Once an associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Bhagwanpuria later emerged as his rival.

Investigators said the Bhagwanpuria organisation has grown into a transnational criminal network with more than 1,000 members and associates worldwide, including over 100 in the United States. The gang is also alleged to operate in Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

US prosecutors have further alleged that the gang worked with corrupt law enforcement officials in India to extort money from victims.

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Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

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