The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday facilitated the repatriation of Aman Kumar alias Aman Bhainswal, an alleged key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, from the United States to India. Officials said the development marks another significant step in India’s efforts to track down and bring back fugitives involved in organised crime through coordinated international action.

Bhainswal, described by investigators as a “sharpshooter” of the Bishnoi gang, had fled India in 2024 after securing bail in a criminal case. He is wanted by the Haryana Police in connection with serious offences, including murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him at the request of the Haryana Police, paving the way for his identification, detention and eventual return to India.

In an official statement, a CBI spokesperson said, “Aman Kumar alias Aman Bhainswal is wanted by Haryana Police in serious criminal offences related to murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy. He is a notorious criminal and a key member of an organised criminal gang, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.”

From Bail to Absconding

According to officials, Bhainswal was earlier arrested in India in connection with criminal cases but was later granted bail. Instead of facing trial, he allegedly went underground and eventually fled to the United States. His absence prompted law enforcement agencies to initiate international procedures to locate him, culminating in the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice.

Once his location was established abroad, Indian authorities coordinated with their US counterparts through established diplomatic and law enforcement channels. The CBI, which acts as India’s National Central Bureau for Interpol, played a central role in liaising with foreign agencies to ensure his repatriation.

Part of a Broader Push Against Fugitives

CBI officials said Bhainswal’s return is part of a wider crackdown on fugitives who escape Indian law by fleeing overseas. An officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the agency coordinated the return of 47 fugitives in 2025 alone, spanning categories such as terrorists, gangsters and economic offenders.

“Geolocating terrorists, gangsters and economic offenders is a priority. In 2026 too, we are going to bring back a large number of fugitives wanted by state police and central agencies with the help of our international partners,” the officer said.

Data shared by the CBI highlights the scale of India’s extradition and repatriation efforts. As of October last year, India had 388 extradition requests pending with various countries. In total, 957 Interpol Red Notices have been issued against different categories of fugitives.

Breakdown of Red Notices

Of the 957 Red Notices issued:

• 231 are related to CBI cases
• 130 pertain to National Investigation Agency (NIA) probes
• 21 are linked to Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases
• 12 involve the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
• The remaining notices relate to cases registered by various state police forces

In terms of the nature of offences, the CBI said:

• 189 Red Notices are connected to economic offences
• 254 relate to terrorism cases
• 21 to money laundering
• 55 to narcotics-related crimes
• The rest cover serious crimes such as rape, murder and kidnapping

The agency’s Global Operations Centre (GOC), working with state police forces and other central agencies, has steadily increased the pace of repatriations. It brought back 29 fugitives in 2023 and 30 in 2024, officials said.

Government’s Directive on Extraditions

The repatriation also comes amid a renewed push from the Union government to tighten the net around fugitives. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed law enforcement agencies to focus more aggressively on extradition and repatriation processes. He has also called for the creation of dedicated units and specialised prisons in all states to deal with fugitives once they are brought back to India.

With Aman Bhainswal now back in the country, Haryana Police are expected to take custody and proceed with legal action against him in pending cases. Officials said the case underscores India’s growing ability to pursue organised crime figures beyond its borders and signals a tougher stance against criminal networks that operate transnationally.