NEW DELHI: Punjab Police arrested an alleged associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi on his arrival in New Delhi after he was deported from Canada, with investigators now probing his suspected role in providing shelter and logistical support to Anmol Bishnoi in the United States.
Karamvir Singh, a resident of Bahadar Ke village in Ludhiana district, was taken into custody by Punjab’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday.
Police described Karamvir as an operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi network and said he was wanted in several criminal cases in Punjab.
“Karamvir Singh had provided logistical support and shelter to Anmol Bishnoi in the United States,” Yadav said.
Police did not give details of when or where Karamvir allegedly sheltered Anmol, or how he subsequently reached Canada.
The AGTF had issued a Look Out Circular against Karamvir on September 3, police said. He was wanted in an FIR registered at the State Crime Police Station in SAS Nagar under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and Passport Act.
Additional Director General of Police Promod Ban said Karamvir had at least five criminal cases registered against him.
“He has a criminal background and is wanted in cases involving murder, attempt to murder, armed robbery, extortion and Arms Act offences,” Ban said.
The allegations against Karamvir have not been proven in court.
His deportation gives Punjab investigators direct access to a suspect they believe can provide information about the overseas operations of the Bishnoi network, including its logistical and financial links.
Police said they were particularly examining who Karamvir remained in contact with abroad and whether money was moved to support gang activities.
“Further investigation is under way to trace his operational links, illegal funding sources and connections with other gang members,” Ban said.
Police have not said whether Karamvir is accused of directing or arranging any specific killing, extortion demand or weapons delivery from abroad.
His alleged connection with Anmol Bishnoi, however, is expected to be a key part of the interrogation.
The case comes as Punjab Police increasingly pursue alleged gang members and associates who have left India, some of whom police say continued to support criminal networks from overseas.
Karamvir’s return follows the extradition of Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Dalam, an alleged key member of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, from the Republic of Moldova. Punjab Police said central agencies assisted in the operation.
The two men are accused of links to different gangs, but their return reflects a broader police effort to trace organised crime networks beyond India’s borders.
The Bishnoi network has figured in several investigations involving extortion, shootings and other serious crimes. Police in different states have also investigated suspected overseas links of people associated with the network.
Punjab Police have not disclosed what evidence led Canadian authorities to deport Karamvir, whether the deportation followed immigration proceedings or whether India had separately sought his extradition.
Those details could become significant as investigators reconstruct his movements outside India.
For now, police are concentrating on his alleged relationship with Anmol Bishnoi and the support they say he provided in the United States.
Karamvir’s questioning will also focus on the money trail and contacts with other suspected gang members, police said, as investigators try to establish whether his overseas role went beyond providing logistics and shelter.- The Statesman/ANN
