Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major achievement in its campaign against organised crime, Punjab Police has brought back alleged gangster Jobanjit Singh alias Joban Billa from Indonesia following a coordinated international operation spanning several months. Officials said the accused, who had been on the run and was allegedly operating from overseas, was deported from Jakarta and taken into police custody upon his arrival in Punjab.
The operation was executed by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in collaboration with OFTEC Punjab, central law enforcement agencies, and international counterparts. Investigators described the mission as a significant step in tracking down fugitives attempting to evade Indian authorities by taking refuge abroad.
According to police, Joban Billa is facing multiple serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and violations of the Arms Act. Authorities stated that he is wanted in connection with four separate murder cases registered in Punjab, in addition to other criminal investigations.
Officials revealed that the deportation was the outcome of Operation Nomad Hunt, a meticulously planned intelligence-led mission that lasted nearly six months. The operation involved continuous monitoring of the accused’s movements, collection of actionable intelligence, and sustained coordination with domestic and foreign enforcement agencies to facilitate his return.
Police sources said the accused had allegedly shifted across different countries to avoid arrest, making the investigation particularly challenging. However, coordinated efforts between multiple agencies eventually led to his identification and deportation through established legal channels.
Senior officers said the successful operation reflects Punjab Police’s growing capability to pursue fugitives beyond national borders and underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organised crime.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, Punjab Police stated that it would continue to identify, trace, and bring back criminals attempting to escape justice by fleeing overseas. Officials added that operations against organised crime syndicates and their international networks will remain a top priority, with further action expected against other absconding gangsters linked to criminal activities in the state.
