Crackdown targets underworld dons hiding in UK, US, UAE, and other nations

CHANDIGARH:  Haryana’s Special Task Force (STF) has launched an aggressive campaign to bring back 10 gangsters who fled abroad to escape trial in more than 160 criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and robberies.

The fugitives, many operating from the UK, US, UAE, and other countries, continue to direct violent crimes in Delhi-NCR and northern India through forged passports and overseas networks. The STF, led by SP Waseem Akram, is working with Interpol and the Ministry of External Affairs to secure their extradition or deportation.

A senior STF officer said these criminals were “running syndicates from abroad and creating fear in Haryana and NCR through targeted killings, extortions, and organised robberies.” In the past two years, the STF has already succeeded in bringing back six gangsters, taking the total to 11 since its overseas crackdown began.

The STF has also cracked down on fake passport rackets in Gurugram, Delhi, and NCR that enabled many fugitives to flee.

Haryana Police has previously secured the deportation of notorious gangsters like Kaushal Chaudhary and Vikas Lagarpuria from the UAE, and Raju Pasandi, Rohit Lauda, and Rajesh alias Kala Khairampuria from Thailand. Last year, Naresh Narsi was deported from Armenia.

Officials admit extraditions are often delayed by fake documents and lengthy legal processes abroad, but insist the STF is tightening its international coordination.

For victims’ families across Haryana, the state’s push offers hope of justice. As fresh extradition pleas reach foreign governments, the STF’s mission is clear: dismantle the global reach of Haryana’s gangsters and bring them back to face trial.

Key Fugitives on STF Radar

• Deepak Nandal (London): Accused in recent firing and murder cases in Gurugram.
• Sushil alias Sheela (Sonipat): Caught in Dubai nine months ago; extradition still pending.
• Sahil Ritoli (Rohtak) and Diler Kotiya (Karnal): Traced in the US; extradition requests sent.
• Saurav Gadoli (Gurugram): Held in the US five months ago, awaiting legal clearance.
• Dinesh Gandhi (Gurugram): Wanted for multiple crimes across Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan.
• Lakhvinder Lakkha (Kaithal) and Aman Bhainswal (Sonipat): Active abroad.
• Two others: Identities withheld for diplomatic reasons, believed to be in Europe and a Commonwealth country.