Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
In a major crackdown on the criminal network linked to notorious Punjab gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed his close associate, Nitish Kaushal alias 'Lala', on its Most Wanted list.
According to the FBI, Kaushal is accused of working for the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang in California and other parts of the United States, where he allegedly participated in kidnapping, murder, extortion, drug trafficking, illegal firearms supply, and other organised criminal activities.
Earlier, on June 25, 2026, the United States District Court for the Central District of California issued a federal arrest warrant against Kaushal under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Investigators believe Nitish Kaushal is a close and active associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group (OCG). Authorities allege that the gang, which originated in Punjab, has expanded its operations to the United States, Canada, and several European countries with the help of operatives like Kaushal.
FBI alleges that Kaushal played a key role in carrying out extortion and intimidation on behalf of the gang in the US. He is also accused of conspiring to execute kidnappings, violent assaults, and other serious crimes in California and surrounding regions.
FBI has classified Kaushal as armed and extremely dangerous, warning that he may frequently change locations to evade arrest.
The agency has urged the public not to approach or confront him. Anyone with information about his whereabouts has been advised to immediately contact local law enforcement or the FBI.
