Punjab gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi deported from Ethiopia
The fugitive, a key member of the Doni Bal–Prabh Dassuwal gang, was brought back following a 10-month international manhunt.
Punjab Police, with help from central agencies, has secured the deportation of gangster Gurwinder, also known as Afridi, from Ethiopia, according to reports by The Times of India and India Today. The operation, named Operation SHAHID, concluded a 10-month international manhunt to locate the fugitive.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Sunday that the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab worked with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Counter Intelligence, Punjab, to coordinate the move. The search involved intelligence gathering and surveillance across several countries in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Afridi, a resident of Tut village in Tarn Taran district, is described as a key kingpin of the Doni Bal–Prabh Dassuwal gang. Preliminary investigations suggest he allegedly directed organised criminal activities from abroad, including extortion-related firing and targeted killings in Punjab.
The Punjab government had previously placed a reward of Rs 5 lakh on his arrest. According to the Hindustan Times, Afridi landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport early on Sunday and is being escorted to Punjab by an AGTF team led by SP Bikram Brar.
The deportation is noted as the first time Punjab Police has secured the return of a fugitive from an African nation. Special DGP (AGTF) Parmod Ban and Special DGP (Counter Intelligence) are expected to hold a press conference later on Sunday.