Las Vegas (Rajeev Sharma): Two gangsters wanted in India in connection with several murder cases and organised criminal activities, Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Faridpuria, have been arrested in the United States, according to reports. The arrests took place in Las Vegas on October 22 following inputs provided by the Haryana Special Task Force (STF).
The operation was conducted with assistance from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Haryana STF is now coordinating with American authorities and central agencies to initiate the process of bringing the two accused back to India.
Himanshu Bhau, whose actual name is Himanshu Ritoliya, is reportedly suspected of using a passport issued under the name Himanshu Sigroha. He is among the most-wanted gangsters pursued by Haryana and Delhi Police and has been linked to several cases involving murder, kidnapping, extortion and other organised crimes across multiple states. An Interpol notice has also been issued against him.
Bhau is considered a rival of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Investigators have reportedly examined his alleged connections with criminal networks operating overseas, including suspected links to Portugal and gangs associated with Neeraj Bawana and Naveen Bali.
Neeraj Faridpuria has more than 25 criminal cases
Neeraj Faridpuria, a native of Haryana’s Palwal district, was also residing in the US before his arrest. More than 25 criminal cases have reportedly been registered against him.
His criminal record includes an arrest following an encounter with Haryana Police in 2012. In 2015, a court sentenced him to life imprisonment in a murder case, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him bail in 2019.
Faridpuria’s name subsequently emerged during the investigation into the June 2019 killing of Congress spokesperson Vikas Chaudhary in Faridabad. He allegedly left India for Canada through Dubai after the incident. Reports later linked him to the Bambiha gang, a rival of the Lawrence Bishnoi network.
He eventually moved to the United States, where investigators suspect he worked alongside members of the Himanshu Bhau gang. Faridpuria had also reportedly claimed responsibility for a shooting outside the residence of YouTuber Elvish Yadav.
Police probe suspected gang links to Delhi-NCR killings
The arrests could prove significant for investigations into several shootings and murders in the Delhi-NCR region in which the Himanshu Bhau gang has figured, either through suspected links or social media claims of responsibility.
One case under scrutiny is the September killing of gym trainer Vijay Kumar in south Delhi’s Aya Nagar area. According to police, Kumar was inside a gym when some men allegedly called him outside. Two motorcycle-borne attackers then opened fire near Hansa Chowk in the Fatehpur Beri area at around 10 am.
Approximately 15 rounds were fired, police said. Kumar suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died.
Delhi Police registered an FIR and formed several teams to trace the assailants. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal had initially said personal enmity appeared to be the likely motive.
A social media post purportedly issued in Bhau’s name later claimed responsibility for the killing and warned rivals against fleeing. Investigators have been examining the authenticity of the post and whether the attack was connected to an ongoing dispute between families in the village.
Earlier murder of dairy businessman also under investigation
The alleged activities of the gang have also drawn attention in connection with the killing of 55-year-old dairy businessman Ratan Lohia in Aya Nagar earlier this year.
According to police sources, the attackers fired more than 60 rounds after reportedly conducting reconnaissance in the locality over several hours.
Lohia’s family alleged that he was killed in retaliation for the death of Arun, the 24-year-old son of Rambir Lohia, who was shot dead near Chattarpur Metro Station earlier this year.
Investigators also examined the suspected involvement of Neeraj Faridpuria in the businessman’s murder. Police sources indicated that the shooters may have travelled from Haryana before abandoning their vehicle in Faridabad.
Four alleged members of the Himanshu Bhau gang were subsequently arrested in connection with Lohia’s killing, according to police sources.
With Bhau and Faridpuria now in US custody, Indian agencies are expected to coordinate with their American counterparts on the legal procedures required for their return. Their questioning in India could provide investigators with further information about suspected criminal networks, overseas connections and cases under investigation across Delhi, Haryana and neighbouring states.
