How US indictment exposes underbelly of gangster and corrupt Punjab cops
A US indictment alleges jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria ran a global crime network from prison with help from associates and a serving Punjab Police officer.
A sweeping US federal indictment has shed fresh light on how jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria allegedly continued to operate a vast transnational criminal enterprise from behind bars, while also exposing what investigators describe as a disturbing nexus between organised crime and a serving Punjab Police officer.
The October 2025 grand jury indictment, filed in California, charges Bhagwanpuria and more than a dozen associates with racketeering (RICO), drug trafficking, extortion, firearms offences and other serious crimes. The document paints a detailed picture of the workings of the Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, which investigators say systematically exploited corrupt officials to target rivals, intimidate victims and generate extortion revenue.
It also contains detailed allegations of corruption within Indian law enforcement, particularly in Punjab, where gangsters allegedly work in concert with police to target rivals and extort victims.
POLICE-GANGSTER NEXUS IN PUNJAB
According to the indictment, the Bhagwanpuria crime group followed a recurring pattern in India. Gang members and associates allegedly supplied information about perceived rivals, suspected police informants and extortion targets to corrupt police officers. Those officers would then register false criminal cases, including serious charges such as murder, against the targets or their family members.
The indictment alleges that gang members or the officers themselves subsequently contacted the victims and demanded money in exchange for dropping the fabricated cases or preventing further legal action. Prosecutors contend that the practice generated extortion revenue while eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions.
GLOBAL NETWORK RUN FROM JAIL
US prosecutors describe the Bhagwanpuria crime group as a vast criminal organisation with more than 1,000 members and associates worldwide, including over 100 in the United States. The network operated across the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Bhagwanpuria, once associated with Lawrence Bishnoi before becoming a rival, is accused of directing operations from an Indian prison using contraband mobile phones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices. The indictment alleges that profits from drug trafficking, extortion and murder-for-hire schemes were funnelled back to him and India-based associates.
The document further alleges that California-based cells of the organisation transported more than 100 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine weekly across the United States and towards the Canadian border. Prosecutors cite specific instances involving the sale of approximately five kilograms of cocaine represented as stolen narcotics, as well as the transportation of around 99.2 kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin from California to Indiana.
The organisation is also accused of kidnappings, assaults and extortion in the US. One case allegedly involved demands for USD 50,000 linked to a purportedly stolen drug shipment. The indictment further alleges firearms trafficking through straw purchasers in Nevada, with weapons sold within the United States or smuggled into Canada.
PUNJAB POLICE INSPECTOR NAMED IN INDICTMENT
One of the most significant allegations concerns Punjab Police Inspector Gurinderjit Singh alias Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, who has been named as being associated with the crime syndicate.
The allegations stem from the murder of Balwinder Singh in Hoshiarpur district in January 2026. The Bhagwanpuria gang allegedly claimed responsibility for the killing through Instagram accounts operating under the aliases Jashal Chambal and Gurlal Singh Rudiana.
The indictment outlines a sequence of events:
In April this year, one accused, Gurlal Singh, shared details of a victim with Inspector Gurinderjit Singh so the individual could be falsely implicated in Balwinder Singh's murder. The officer then informed the victim's father that he intended to charge him with the murder.
Days later, the police officer allegedly warned that unless payment was made, the victim, his father and his sister would all be implicated in the case.
In May, the officer participated in a press conference where police publicly accused the family of arranging the murder and announced that they would be formally nominated as accused.
As the case progressed, days later, he allegedly told the victim's father in Punjabi that "Gurlal is with me" and complained that the agreed amount had not been fully paid.
The same day, he allegedly indicated that two of the three family members could be removed from the murder case in exchange for payment.
Apart from this case, the indictment separately charges Gurinderjit Singh with attempted extortion under US federal law.
Prosecutors allege that between April 13 and June 5, he attempted to obtain money from two victims through threats, fear and misuse of his official position. The alleged pressure campaign included threats of implication in a murder case and the use of a public police press conference as leverage.
FALLOUT IN PUNJAB
The FBI indictment has already had repercussions in Punjab. Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, who was serving as Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur district, was shifted to Police Lines after being named in the case. An inquiry has also been ordered.
US authorities allege that Nagra acted as an active extortion partner of the Bhagwanpuria OCG and conspired to extort approximately $400,000 (Rs 3.3 crore to Rs 3.8 crore) from a Los Angeles-based Indian-origin family.
Speaking to India Today TV, Gurinderjit Singh Nagra expressed shock over the allegations and denied any wrongdoing.
"I have heard the allegations. There has to be verification of such allegations. I am hearing these charges from you. I can't even imagine this in my dreams," he said.
"Someone showed me the press conference. There is no verification or evidence. We have the file and the case can be reinvestigated. This is a January 14 case in which six persons were arrested. One person got the killing executed and three shooters had taken responsibility."
"If there is evidence against me, then it should be shown. These allegations are completely false. I do not even know how much the total amount is in INR," he added.
Senior Punjab Police sources told India Today TV that the US action could help curb the activities of several key operatives who had long been on the radar of law enforcement agencies.
Officials said a number of gang members had been able to operate from Western countries for years before authorities fully understood the scale and international reach of these criminal networks. At the same time, police sources acknowledged that investigators cannot rule out the possibility of "black sheep in uniform" assisting organised crime groups.
THE BALWINDER SINGH MURDER
Balwinder Singh, a hardware shop owner, was shot dead in Miyani village in the Tanda Urmur area of Hoshiarpur district in January 2026.
According to investigators, three unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants arrived at his shop and opened fire, allegedly discharging seven rounds from a .30-bore pistol. Balwinder Singh sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including to the chest, and died at the scene.
Later, US-based gangster Gurlal Rudiana claimed responsibility for the killing on social media, alleging that Balwinder had informed police about gang associates and caused losses to the organisation. However, sources maintain that investigators were also examining the possibility of a contract killing involving family-related disputes.
RECRUITMENT, FEAR AND SOCIAL MEDIA
The indictment further alleges that the Bhagwanpuria gang recruited vulnerable individuals in India, including minors, to carry out acts of violence. Prosecutors claim some recruits were paid as little as Rs 20,000 per murder, both to reduce operational costs and minimise sentencing exposure if arrested.
The organisation allegedly maintained control through intimidation, warning members that leaving the group or cooperating with police could result in harm to them or their families.
Social media was also allegedly used as a tool of intimidation. Prosecutors say the gang routinely claimed responsibility for murders and violent acts on platforms such as Instagram to create fear and compel extortion payments.
The US indictment names the gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, his associate Gurlal Singh alias Gurlal Rudiana/Gullu, Sahibdeep Singh alias Anmol, the officer Gurinderjit Singh, and several other India- and US-based associates including Amritpal Singh Bal, Nitish Kaushal alias Lala, Harspreet Singh, Amarbir Singh, Mandeep Kaur alias Cheema among others.
A sweeping US federal indictment has shed fresh light on how jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria allegedly continued to operate a vast transnational criminal enterprise from behind bars, while also exposing what investigators describe as a disturbing nexus between organised crime and a serving Punjab Police officer.
The October 2025 grand jury indictment, filed in California, charges Bhagwanpuria and more than a dozen associates with racketeering (RICO), drug trafficking, extortion, firearms offences and other serious crimes. The document paints a detailed picture of the workings of the Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, which investigators say systematically exploited corrupt officials to target rivals, intimidate victims and generate extortion revenue.
It also contains detailed allegations of corruption within Indian law enforcement, particularly in Punjab, where gangsters allegedly work in concert with police to target rivals and extort victims.
POLICE-GANGSTER NEXUS IN PUNJAB
According to the indictment, the Bhagwanpuria crime group followed a recurring pattern in India. Gang members and associates allegedly supplied information about perceived rivals, suspected police informants and extortion targets to corrupt police officers. Those officers would then register false criminal cases, including serious charges such as murder, against the targets or their family members.
The indictment alleges that gang members or the officers themselves subsequently contacted the victims and demanded money in exchange for dropping the fabricated cases or preventing further legal action. Prosecutors contend that the practice generated extortion revenue while eroding public trust in law enforcement institutions.
GLOBAL NETWORK RUN FROM JAIL
US prosecutors describe the Bhagwanpuria crime group as a vast criminal organisation with more than 1,000 members and associates worldwide, including over 100 in the United States. The network operated across the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Bhagwanpuria, once associated with Lawrence Bishnoi before becoming a rival, is accused of directing operations from an Indian prison using contraband mobile phones and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices. The indictment alleges that profits from drug trafficking, extortion and murder-for-hire schemes were funnelled back to him and India-based associates.
The document further alleges that California-based cells of the organisation transported more than 100 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine weekly across the United States and towards the Canadian border. Prosecutors cite specific instances involving the sale of approximately five kilograms of cocaine represented as stolen narcotics, as well as the transportation of around 99.2 kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin from California to Indiana.
The organisation is also accused of kidnappings, assaults and extortion in the US. One case allegedly involved demands for USD 50,000 linked to a purportedly stolen drug shipment. The indictment further alleges firearms trafficking through straw purchasers in Nevada, with weapons sold within the United States or smuggled into Canada.
PUNJAB POLICE INSPECTOR NAMED IN INDICTMENT
One of the most significant allegations concerns Punjab Police Inspector Gurinderjit Singh alias Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, who has been named as being associated with the crime syndicate.
The allegations stem from the murder of Balwinder Singh in Hoshiarpur district in January 2026. The Bhagwanpuria gang allegedly claimed responsibility for the killing through Instagram accounts operating under the aliases Jashal Chambal and Gurlal Singh Rudiana.
The indictment outlines a sequence of events:
In April this year, one accused, Gurlal Singh, shared details of a victim with Inspector Gurinderjit Singh so the individual could be falsely implicated in Balwinder Singh's murder. The officer then informed the victim's father that he intended to charge him with the murder.
Days later, the police officer allegedly warned that unless payment was made, the victim, his father and his sister would all be implicated in the case.
In May, the officer participated in a press conference where police publicly accused the family of arranging the murder and announced that they would be formally nominated as accused.
As the case progressed, days later, he allegedly told the victim's father in Punjabi that "Gurlal is with me" and complained that the agreed amount had not been fully paid.
The same day, he allegedly indicated that two of the three family members could be removed from the murder case in exchange for payment.
Apart from this case, the indictment separately charges Gurinderjit Singh with attempted extortion under US federal law.
Prosecutors allege that between April 13 and June 5, he attempted to obtain money from two victims through threats, fear and misuse of his official position. The alleged pressure campaign included threats of implication in a murder case and the use of a public police press conference as leverage.
FALLOUT IN PUNJAB
The FBI indictment has already had repercussions in Punjab. Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, who was serving as Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur district, was shifted to Police Lines after being named in the case. An inquiry has also been ordered.
US authorities allege that Nagra acted as an active extortion partner of the Bhagwanpuria OCG and conspired to extort approximately $400,000 (Rs 3.3 crore to Rs 3.8 crore) from a Los Angeles-based Indian-origin family.
Speaking to India Today TV, Gurinderjit Singh Nagra expressed shock over the allegations and denied any wrongdoing.
"I have heard the allegations. There has to be verification of such allegations. I am hearing these charges from you. I can't even imagine this in my dreams," he said.
"Someone showed me the press conference. There is no verification or evidence. We have the file and the case can be reinvestigated. This is a January 14 case in which six persons were arrested. One person got the killing executed and three shooters had taken responsibility."
"If there is evidence against me, then it should be shown. These allegations are completely false. I do not even know how much the total amount is in INR," he added.
Senior Punjab Police sources told India Today TV that the US action could help curb the activities of several key operatives who had long been on the radar of law enforcement agencies.
Officials said a number of gang members had been able to operate from Western countries for years before authorities fully understood the scale and international reach of these criminal networks. At the same time, police sources acknowledged that investigators cannot rule out the possibility of "black sheep in uniform" assisting organised crime groups.
THE BALWINDER SINGH MURDER
Balwinder Singh, a hardware shop owner, was shot dead in Miyani village in the Tanda Urmur area of Hoshiarpur district in January 2026.
According to investigators, three unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants arrived at his shop and opened fire, allegedly discharging seven rounds from a .30-bore pistol. Balwinder Singh sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including to the chest, and died at the scene.
Later, US-based gangster Gurlal Rudiana claimed responsibility for the killing on social media, alleging that Balwinder had informed police about gang associates and caused losses to the organisation. However, sources maintain that investigators were also examining the possibility of a contract killing involving family-related disputes.
RECRUITMENT, FEAR AND SOCIAL MEDIA
The indictment further alleges that the Bhagwanpuria gang recruited vulnerable individuals in India, including minors, to carry out acts of violence. Prosecutors claim some recruits were paid as little as Rs 20,000 per murder, both to reduce operational costs and minimise sentencing exposure if arrested.
The organisation allegedly maintained control through intimidation, warning members that leaving the group or cooperating with police could result in harm to them or their families.
Social media was also allegedly used as a tool of intimidation. Prosecutors say the gang routinely claimed responsibility for murders and violent acts on platforms such as Instagram to create fear and compel extortion payments.
The US indictment names the gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, his associate Gurlal Singh alias Gurlal Rudiana/Gullu, Sahibdeep Singh alias Anmol, the officer Gurinderjit Singh, and several other India- and US-based associates including Amritpal Singh Bal, Nitish Kaushal alias Lala, Harspreet Singh, Amarbir Singh, Mandeep Kaur alias Cheema among others.
