FBI names Punjab cop in $400,000 gang-linked extortion case

US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

NEW DELHI: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have charged a Punjab police officer in a sweeping racketeering case, in connection with a $400,000 extortion case.The allegations against Gurinderjit Singh Nagra, Station House Officer (SHO) of Tanda Police Station are part of one of three federal indictments unsealed under "Operation Hard Ball", a multinational investigation targeting organised crime groups accused of murder, extortion, drug trafficking and other crimes across the United States, Canada and Europe.

Following reports of the FBI action, Punjab Police shifted Nagra from Tanda Police Station to Police Lines, Hoshiarpur, and ordered a fact-finding inquiry.Punjab Police orders inquiryThe Office of the DIG, Jalandhar Range, said the department had taken cognisance of media reports and social media posts regarding Nagra's alleged involvement in the FBI investigation. Pending verification of the facts, the officer has been transferred to Police Lines, with immediate effect.The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Hoshiarpur, said the transfer was a precautionary measure while the allegations are being examined."For now, this matter has come to light based on the video and information circulating on social media. So far, no official confirmation or clear information has been received from the Government of India or the Punjab Government in this regard," the SSP told ANI.The DIG has assigned the inquiry to the Superintendent of Police (Investigation), Jalandhar Rural.

Punjab Police said any further legal action will depend on the findings of the probe.Akali Dal targets Mann governmentThe case also sparked a political row, with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia accusing the Bhagwant Mann-led government of allowing an alleged nexus between the police, gangsters and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).In a post on X, Majithia claimed, "The FBI has charged Punjab Police SHO Gurinderjit Singh Nagra of Tanda Police Station in connection with a $400,000 extortion case.

Allegation: The family was threatened in the United States, while their relatives in India were allegedly implicated in a false murder case.""Just as the FBI sought the extradition of Goldy Brar, Lawrence Bishnoi, and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, a Punjab Police officer has now also come under the FBI's scanner. Due to the alleged misdeeds of 'Guru Dhokhi' Bhagwant Mann and his coterie, the Punjab Police, once known for its reputation, has today become a symbol of global embarrassment," he said, drawing a parallel with the FBI's action against wanted gangsters."Guru Dhokhi Bhagwant Mann, the alleged dark deeds of the 'permanent police' under a 'temporary DGP' have now become known across the world. If the FBI takes this inspector to the United States, the alleged AAP, gangster, and Punjab Police nexus will be exposed before the world, something many have been demanding," he added.Part of 'Operation Hard Ball'The case forms part of Operation Hard Ball, a coordinated crackdown by US authorities targeting India-based organised crime syndicates allegedly involved in extortion, violent crime and international narcotics trafficking.The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar, who is wanted for his alleged role in the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group.According to the US Department of Justice, Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi are among 37 defendants named in three federal indictments filed under the operation. The indictments also include alleged organised crime figures Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda, with prosecutors alleging their criminal networks operate across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.