Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Police has achieved a significant breakthrough in its campaign against organised crime with the extradition of alleged gangster operative Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Dalam from Moldova.
Singh, described by the police as an important operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, is wanted in several criminal cases involving allegations of murder, attempt to murder, offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), violations of the Arms Act and narcotics-related offences.
The police said this is the first extradition of a fugitive from a European country secured by Punjab Police, making the development a notable milestone in its efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
The operation, named Operation Eastern Reach, involved a six-month intelligence-driven effort to track down the accused abroad. Officials said prolonged surveillance and coordination between different agencies helped locate the fugitive and facilitate his return to India.
Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) were instrumental in the operation. Their efforts were supported by central agencies and international counterparts involved in the extradition process.
The state police expressed its appreciation for the cooperation extended by the authorities of Moldova and Azerbaijan, as well as the IPCU-CBI, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs and other agencies involved in the international effort.
The extradition is being seen as an important step in Punjab’s efforts to pursue organised crime networks operating across international borders. Police said the operation demonstrates that fugitives attempting to evade prosecution by taking shelter overseas will continue to be traced and pursued through international cooperation.
Punjab Police reiterated that it remains committed to bringing wanted criminals back to India so they can face the legal process in cases registered against them.
