Chandigarh, March 7 Amritpal Singh, a notorious gangster linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and involved in extorting businessmen in Punjab, was apprehended at the Moldova border, a top police officer said on Saturday.
His arrest followed an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of the Punjab Police in coordination with central agencies, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said.
Amritpal Singh, also known as Amrit Dalam, is wanted in several serious criminal cases in Punjab and has been absconding abroad for a considerable period, Yadav said.
His arrest follows sustained international coordination and persistent efforts by the police agencies, he said.
Legal and diplomatic procedures are now underway to secure his extradition to India so that he can face justice, the DGP said.
"Amrit Dalam's arrest marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to track and bring back offenders evading justice overseas," Yadav said.
Amritpal, a foreign-based gangster, was closely associated with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria network. He has been actively making extortion calls targeting individuals and business owners, particularly in the Amritsar region, the police said.
Amritpal is from village Dalam Nangal under the Qila Lal Singh police station in Batala, Gurdaspur.
He faces charges in at least four separate cases involving drug smuggling, murder, and attempted murder. These cases are registered in Gurdaspur.
The Punjab Police have also identified 61 foreign-based gangsters who are operating from abroad while carrying out criminal activities in Punjab through their local associates. Amritpal is one of them.
To expedite their extradition, the Punjab Police has set up an Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), and it is currently pursuing these fugitive gangsters hiding abroad.
The OFTEC is headed by Deputy Inspector General (Counter Intelligence) Ashish Choudhary.
In November, police arrested two associates of Amritpal, who were tasked by him to carry out target killings.