Punjab Police deport gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi from Ethiopia
The 10-month international manhunt under Operation SHAHID ended with the gangster's arrival at Delhi airport on Sunday.
Punjab Police have brought wanted gangster Gurwinder Singh, alias Afridi, back from Ethiopia following a 10-month international manhunt, according to Rediff. The fugitive was taken into custody by state police at the Delhi airport during the night of November 7-8 and is being moved to Punjab to face legal proceedings.
The operation, known as Operation SHAHID, was led by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Counter Intelligence. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said the mission involved coordination with central agencies and the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia.
Afridi, identified as a key kingpin of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, is wanted in more than 30 criminal cases, including five murder cases. The Punjab government had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
The DGP stated that Afridi fled India on March 31, 2025, using a fake passport issued in Lucknow under the identity of a Gorakhpur resident. He reportedly moved through the UAE, Kenya, and Angola before being detained in Ethiopia on November 6, 2026.
Yadav noted that more than seven INTERPOL references were issued during the pursuit. He said the successful deportation marks the first time the Punjab Police have secured a fugitive from an African nation.