In a major escalation against transnational crime syndicates operating in the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added gangster Nitish Kaushal on its list of most wanted criminals,
accusing the Indian national of involvement in murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking and other organised crime activities linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang.
According to US investigators, Kaushal is being sought for his suspected ties to the “Bhagwanpuria OCG”, which authorities describe as a “transnational criminal organisation that originated in Punjab, India, and operated in the Central District of California and elsewhere.”
“Nitish Kaushal is wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organisation engaged in, among other things, acts involving murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling,” the FBI said.
American law enforcement agencies have alleged that the syndicate has orchestrated a wide array of violent felonies across borders.
The FBI stated that the network is heavily involved in “murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling.”
Who Is Nitish Kaushal?
According to the FBI, Kaushal is wanted for his alleged role in the Bhagwanpuria OCG. Investigators allege that Kaushal personally carried out violent acts on behalf of the syndicate, including kidnappings and assaults.
The FBI has warned that Kaushal should be considered armed and dangerous and said he poses an escape risk. It has appealed to the public to share any information about his whereabouts with the nearest FBI office or a US Embassy or Consulate.
A federal arrest warrant was issued against Kaushal on June 25, 2026, by the US District Court for the Central District of California after he was charged with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The action comes as part of “Operation Hard Ball”, a coordinated international law enforcement operation targeting the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria network. The crackdown has involved raids and enforcement actions across the United States, Canada and Europe as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle transnational organised crime syndicates with roots in India.
(With inputs from agencies)
