September 12, 2026 : In a major breakthrough against transnational organized crime, law enforcement officials completed a landmark international operation. Authorities successfully secured the return of high-profile operative Amritpal Singh, alias Amrit Dalam. State police confirmed that this action marks the first successful case among European Punjab Police extraditions.
The fugitive, linked to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Saturday morning. A specialized four-member police team took him into custody at Chisinau Airport in Moldova. The suspect was fleeing across multiple international borders before his arrest.
Strategic Pursuit Under Operation Eastern Reach
The international operation, code-named Operation Eastern Reach, relied on sustained intelligence gathering and joint coordination. State teams worked alongside central security agencies and international partners to track the suspect.
Moldovan authorities initially detained Singh on February 24 while he attempted to cross the border into Ukraine at Otaci. Following his detention, judicial authorities in Chisinau reviewed the formal extradition request. The Court of Chisinau approved his transfer on May 26, and an appellate court dismissed his final appeal on July 16.
| Legal & Operational Phase | Key Date / Location | Action Executed by Law Enforcement |
| Fled Country | October 2024 / India | Escaped using fake passport under alias Gurpal Singh |
| Foreign Border Arrest | Feb 24, 2026 / Otaci Border | Moldovan authorities detained suspect heading to Ukraine |
| Extradition Approval | May 26, 2026 / Chisinau Court | Moldovan court granted initial extradition order |
| Appeals Dismissed | July 16, 2026 / Appeals Court | Higher court rejected appeal against return order |
| Custody Handover | Sept 11, 2026 / Chisinau Airport | Four-member AGTF team took suspect into custody |
| Arrival in India | Sept 12, 2026 / IGI Airport | Escorted to New Delhi via Baku, Azerbaijan |
Extensive Criminal Record and Multiple Targeted Offenses
Investigators report that Singh faces 21 serious criminal charges across multiple districts in Punjab. His criminal record includes charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and the NDPS Act.
Senior officials noted his involvement in several high-profile targeted killings. These include the 2019 murder of Dalbir Singh in Batala and the 2024 murders of Amrjeet Lal and Kashmiri Lal in Hoshiarpur. Additionally, he faces charges for the 2025 murders of Dharamjit Singh, Kanav Mahajan, Sarabjit Singh, and Jasdeep Singh.
| Case Details | Location of Offense | Statutory Charges Applied |
| Dalbir Singh Murder (2019) | Batala District | IPC Murder & Arms Act |
| Double Murder Case (2024) | Hoshiarpur District | IPC Murder & UAPA |
| Dharamjit Singh Murder (2025) | Punjab Region | IPC Murder & Arms Act |
| Kanav & Sarabjit Murders (2025) | Punjab Region | IPC Murder & Criminal Conspiracy |
| Jasdeep Singh Murder (2025) | Punjab Region | IPC Murder & Arms Act |
Special Police Team Oversees Operations Overseas
Superintendent of Police Bikramjit Singh Brar led the four-member Anti-Gangster Task Force team deployed to Moldova. The team included Inspector Pushvinder Singh, Sub-Inspector Jaspreet Singh, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Varinder Kumar.
The escorting team coordinated with local police agencies and diplomatic channels during transit. Authorities extended official gratitude to Moldovan officials, Azerbaijan partners, the Interpol unit of the CBI, and central ministries for their assistance.
Expanding Framework for Punjab Police Extraditions
The success of Operation Eastern Reach reflects broader institutional reforms within state law enforcement. Officials created the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell specifically to track foreign-based gangsters.
Since establishing the specialized unit, authorities have successfully returned nine high-priority fugitives. Recent successes include the extradition of Amritpal Mehron from the United Arab Emirates. Specialized tracking teams are actively pursuing extradition requests for 11 additional foreign-based fugitives.
| Unit Milestone Metrics | Total Volume | Strategic Objective |
| Deported Fugitives | 9 High-Priority Cases | Return of foreign-based criminals |
| Successful Extraditions (2026) | 2 Completed Cases | Cases in UAE and Moldova |
| Active Pending Cases | 11 Foreign-Based Gangsters | Active legal proceedings overseas |
Strengthening International Law Enforcement Partnerships
State law enforcement leadership commended the joint efforts that enabled this international recovery. Sustained surveillance and active cooperation with central intelligence networks proved vital throughout the six-month operation.
Senior police leadership reaffirmed their commitment to apprehending fugitives regardless of location. Law enforcement agencies continue expanding global partnerships to ensure wanted criminals face domestic judicial proceedings.