From 16 Murder-Related Cases to Las Vegas Arrest: Gangster Himanshu Bhau Held in US Custody

Gangster Himanshu Bhau, wanted in multiple criminal cases in India, has been arrested by US law enforcement in Las Vegas following intelligence inputs from Indian agencies. Another fugitive, Neeraj Faridpuria, who allegedly removed his ankle monitor after being released on bail earlier this year, has also been apprehended.

According to a National Investigation Agency (NIA) source, an Interpol Red Notice had been issued against Himanshu in August 2023. Delhi and Haryana Police teams used technical surveillance and intelligence inputs to trace his location and share the coordinates with US authorities, who arrested him on Thursday evening.

Indian agencies are coordinating with US law enforcement to expedite his deportation, with a team of senior officers potentially travelling to the US to complete the necessary formalities.

Himanshu, 23, also known as Kunal, hails from Ritoli village in Haryana’s Rohtak district. Investigators allege that he began his criminal career with extortion before becoming involved in murder and other violent crimes. He reportedly escaped from a juvenile correctional facility in Hisar in 2020 and later formed his own gang. An NIA source said he faces more than 30 cases, including at least 16 involving murder and attempted murder.

According to investigators, Himanshu obtained a passport using forged documents under the name Kunal Singh in August 2022 and fled India before a lookout circular was issued. He travelled to the UAE before reaching Europe through an irregular migration route and is alleged to have operated his criminal network from Portugal, with associates including Yogesh Kadian, alias Bobby, Sahil and Neeraj Faridpuria.

The gang allegedly targeted businessmen for extortion, using threatening calls and shootings outside their homes when victims refused to pay. Investigators also allege that gang members recruited young people through social media, approaching those who interacted with their posts and assigning them tasks involving shootings.

Faridpuria is alleged to be associated with Punjab’s Bambiha gang, a rival of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. An NIA source said he became connected to the group through criminal associates, including Dinesh Gandhi, after meeting other gang members in prison.

At a coordination meeting with central agencies, Haryana Police reportedly estimated that around 80 criminal gangs were active in the state. Among those identified were the Himanshu Bhau gang, the Neeraj Faridpuria gang and the Lawrence Bishnoi-Bhanu Partap gang, which authorities have linked to extortion and other violent crimes.