The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added Indian-origin man Nitish Kaushal to its most wanted list as part of its ongoing crackdown on transnational organised crime.
According to the FBI, Kaushal is alleged to be associated with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, which authorities accuse of involvement in offences including murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.
In a statement, the FBI said the organisation originated in the Indian state of Punjab and has operated in California as well as other locations in the United States. Investigators allege that Kaushal carried out violent acts on behalf of the group, including kidnappings and assaults.
The agency said a federal arrest warrant for Kaushal was issued on June 25, 2026, by the United States District Court for the Central District of California after he was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy.
The development comes amid a wider US law enforcement operation targeting alleged transnational criminal networks linked to Indian organised crime groups.
Earlier, US federal prosecutors charged jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his close associate Goldy Brar with allegedly ordering the assassination of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
US authorities have also carried out coordinated raids targeting the Lawrence Bishnoi network across multiple locations, including California. The operations reportedly resulted in the detention of around two dozen individuals.
The coordinated enforcement effort, codenamed Operation Hard Ball, is aimed at disrupting and dismantling alleged organised crime networks accused of operating across North America and India.
