GURDASPUR, September 12, 2026:
Punjab Police has achieved a significant breakthrough in its fight against transnational organised crime with the extradition of alleged gangster Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Dalam from Moldova, marking the force's first successful extradition of a fugitive from a European country.

According to reports, Dalam was brought back to India on Saturday following an intelligence-led operation involving Punjab Police, central agencies and international authorities. He is allegedly associated with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and has been linked to gangster Harry Chattha abroad.

The accused is wanted in 21 cases registered in Punjab, involving serious allegations including murder, attempted murder, narcotics-related offences, arms violations and offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The development has particular significance for the Gurdaspur-Batala region, as four of the cases against the accused are reportedly under trial in Batala, while other investigations are spread across Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur.

Punjab Police said the extradition followed a six-month intelligence-led operation known as Operation Eastern Reach. The operation reportedly involved coordination between the Anti-Gangster Task Force, the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell and central government agencies, along with authorities in Moldova and other countries.

The case highlights how organised crime networks operating from outside India can continue to affect law-and-order investigations within Punjab. The successful return of an accused from Europe is therefore being viewed as an important development for investigators dealing with fugitives who attempt to operate beyond India's jurisdiction.

For residents of Gurdaspur and Batala, where several cases connected to the accused are pending, the extradition could potentially assist ongoing legal proceedings and investigations.

Police and investigating agencies will now be expected to proceed with the relevant legal processes in accordance with the cases registered against the accused.

The development also sends a wider message that geographical distance may not permanently shield wanted criminals from investigation and prosecution, as Punjab Police increasingly relies on international coordination to track fugitives.

Reported by: Karanbir Singh
Indian Press Union