In a major breakthrough against organised crime, Punjab Police has secured the deportation of fugitive gangster Gurwinder Singh alias Afridi from Ethiopia following a 10-month-long international manhunt under Operation SHAHID.
The accused, identified as a key kingpin of the Doni Bal–Prabh Dassuwal gang, was brought back through coordinated efforts involving the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Punjab's Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), Counter Intelligence and central agencies.
According to preliminary investigations, Afridi was allegedly operating from abroad and directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents and other organised criminal activities in Punjab. The state government had announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
International Manhunt Spanned Multiple Countries
The operation involved sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking across several countries in Asia, South America and Africa. Punjab Police worked in close coordination with national and international agencies to trace the fugitive's movements and facilitate his deportation from Ethiopia.
The 10-month-long operation highlights the growing focus of law enforcement agencies on tracking gangsters who attempt to evade Indian authorities by operating from foreign locations.
AGTF and OFTEC Lead Coordinated Operation
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab spearheaded the operation in coordination with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Counter Intelligence, Punjab.
Central agencies also played a crucial role in facilitating the international cooperation required to locate and bring the accused back to India.
Punjab Police acknowledged the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and other central agencies, highlighting the importance of inter-agency coordination in tackling transnational organised crime.
Major Setback for Organised Crime Networks
The deportation of Afridi is being viewed as a significant development in Punjab's campaign against gangster networks and cross-border criminal operations.
Investigators are expected to examine his alleged role in targeted attacks, extortion and other criminal activities, along with his connections to gang members operating within the country.
The operation sends a strong message to fugitives attempting to run criminal networks from foreign soil: international borders will not necessarily shield them from law enforcement.
With Operation SHAHID delivering a major breakthrough, Punjab Police has further intensified its efforts to dismantle organised crime networks and bring wanted criminals to justice.