Indian agencies crack international crime network with arrests in Georgia, US

Indian security agencies have recorded a significant success in their operations against transnational crime with the detention of two of India’s most-wanted gangsters—Venkatesh Garg and Bhanu Rana. The arrests, made in Georgia and the US, respectively, represent a major step in India’s effort to dismantle criminal networks operating from abroad.

Garg, linked to the gang headed by UK-based Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu, was apprehended in Tbilisi. A resident of Haryana’s Narayangarh, he is wanted in more than ten criminal cases, including the murder of a BSP leader in Gurgaon. Garg had been residing in Georgia and allegedly recruiting youth from Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and other states for contract killings. His chief, Sangwan, who hails from Najafgarh in southwest Delhi, is known for managing an organized crime syndicate from London involving extortion, murder, and arms offenses.

A joint team from Delhi and Haryana has reportedly reached Georgia to expedite Garg’s extradition. Authorities expect him to be brought back soon to face trial in several cases filed in Haryana and Punjab.

Bishnoi network under global scrutiny

The second detention involves Bhanu Rana, a key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who was taken into custody in the US. Bishnoi, originally from Punjab, rose to prominence during his student years and now leads an extensive criminal network with associates spread across India and overseas. His gang has been implicated in violent crimes, including murder and extortion, often orchestrated from behind bars.

Investigations indicate that Rana’s network remains active across Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. His name also surfaced during the probe into a grenade attack in Punjab. Intelligence inputs suggest that some of Rana’s US-based associates are directly linked to Bishnoi’s operations. Indian agencies are working closely with American authorities to ensure his deportation to India.

Several of Rana’s associates have already been arrested domestically, and he faces multiple chargesheets in various cases. According to sources, the arrests of Garg and Rana highlight a larger international web, with over two dozen Indian gangsters believed to be operating from abroad, running rackets involving extortion and smuggling.

“The detention of both Garg and Rana is a blow to their respective gangs and underscores the commitment of Indian law enforcement to pursue high-value targets across international borders,” a senior officer said, reported TOI.

However, officials noted that securing their return will be complex due to the lengthy extradition process requiring detailed documentation to establish their wanted status.