The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed Indian national Nitish Kaushal on its list of most wanted fugitives, alleging his involvement in a range of organised crimes linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang. Authorities accuse him of offences including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion and other criminal activities carried out across international borders.
Alleged links to Punjab-based crime syndicate
According to the FBI, Kaushal is believed to be associated with the ‘Bhagwanpuria OCG’, which investigators describe as a transnational organised crime group that originated in Punjab and later expanded its operations to the Central District of California and other regions.
In a statement, the FBI said, ‘Nitish Kaushal is wanted by the FBI 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.’
US authorities allege that the gang has been involved in multiple violent crimes across different countries and continues to operate through an international criminal network.
The FBI further said the organisation is involved in ‘murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling.’
Who is Nitish Kaushal?
Investigators claim Kaushal played an active role in carrying out crimes on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria OCG, including kidnappings and violent assaults.
The FBI has described him as armed and dangerous and warned that he may attempt to flee. It has urged anyone with information about his location to contact the nearest FBI office or a US Embassy or Consulate.
A federal arrest warrant against Kaushal was issued on June 25, 2026, by the US District Court for the Central District of California. He has been charged with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Part of international crackdown
The case is part of ‘Operation Hard Ball’, a coordinated international law enforcement campaign targeting the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria network. The operation has included raids and enforcement actions across the United States, Canada and Europe as authorities step up efforts to dismantle organised crime syndicates with links to India.
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First published on: Jul 15, 2026 10:49 AM IST
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