Taking major action against Lawrence Bishnoi network, FBI has framed charges against 37 people. A reward of $50,000 has been announced on Goldie Brar, while the US is preparing to make a formal request to India for the extradition of Lawrence and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.
Jalandhar: America’s Federal Investigation Agency FBI and other international law enforcement agencies have framed charges against 37 people in a major action against the alleged international organized crime network linked to India. The names of India’s jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his close associate Goldie Brar, Rohit Godara and other accused are included in this action. US officials say that a formal request will be made to the Indian government for the extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria.
In the indictment filed in the US federal court, for the first time Lawrence Bishnoi has been accused of conspiring to murder Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023. However, these are allegations by the US prosecution and are yet to be heard in court.
Joint action of many countries in Operation ‘Hard Ball’
According to US officials, this operation was carried out under “Operation Hard Ball”, in which several agencies of the US, Canada and Europe took joint action. During the investigation, simultaneous raids were conducted at more than 50 places and 24 people were arrested, while charge sheets were filed against a total of 37 accused in various cases. The investigating agencies have also recovered a large quantity of cocaine, weapons, cash and digital evidence.
What are the allegations against Lawrence Bishnoi?
According to the US Justice Department, Lawrence Bishnoi is accused of running his international criminal network while in jail in India. Investigating agencies claim that his associates were involved in activities like drug smuggling, extortion, arms smuggling and targeted killings in the US, Canada and Europe. It has been said in the charge sheet that the network was operated through communication channels even from inside the jail.
American chargesheet for the first time in Nijjar murder case
In 2023, pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey city of British Columbia province of Canada. After this incident, there was tension in diplomatic relations between India and Canada.
Now the US federal charge sheet claims that Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar had conspired to commit this murder. However, the US documents have not accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder. The final truth of the case will be decided only after hearing in the court.
$50,000 reward on Goldie Brar
The FBI has announced a reward of US $ 50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Satinderjit Singh alias Goldie Brar. The agency says Goldie Brar played a key role in the operation of the alleged criminal network in North America.
Alleged network spread to seven countries
According to American investigative agencies, apart from India, this alleged network was spread to America, Canada, Britain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand. The investigation claimed that the gang was active internationally through activities like drug smuggling, extortion, money laundering and arms supply.
Punjab police officer also mentioned
A Punjab Police officer has also been mentioned in the charge sheet. US agencies allege that the network allegedly used some corrupt officials to extort money and make threats. However, no official response has come yet from the concerned officer or Punjab Police in this regard. Therefore, these allegations have not been independently confirmed at this time.
Prosecution under strict US laws
The US prosecution has charged the accused with serious charges like murder, conspiracy to murder, drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, arms trafficking and organized crime. These cases will be prosecuted under several federal laws including America’s stringent RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act).
What will be the next extradition process?
US officials have indicated that a formal request will be sent to the Indian government for the extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria. If this happens, the case will proceed under the extradition laws of India, the treaties in force between the two countries and the process of Indian courts.
Because Lawrence Bishnoi is accused of multiple criminal cases in India, the decision of the Indian courts and the central government on any extradition request will be important. Also, evidence and documents can also be exchanged between India and America under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).
Major action against international crime
US officials have described the operation as one of the largest actions against international organized crime networks linked to India in recent years. In addition to the FBI, multiple agencies including DEA, HSI, ATF, IRS-CI, and Canada’s RCMP participated in the investigation. Officials say the operation is an important step towards curbing cross-border crime, drug smuggling and violent organized crime.
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