NEW DELHI/JALANDHAR: FBI has arrested Pavittar Singh Batala, a most-wanted fugitive from India, in California as part of its operation against organized crime. Batala, who is linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), had an Interpol Red Corner Notice against him. He was arrested, along with seven others and a cache of arms and ammunition seized from them.
In June, NIA named Batala, along with Jatinder Joti and designated BKI terrorist Lakhbir Landa, in a chargesheet. Joti was allegedly involved in illegal procurement and supply of firearms to Punjab-based gangsters. He was facilitating weapons supply to ground operatives of Batala, a close associate of designated individual terrorist Landa, agency said.
The accused allegedly use virtual numbers and encrypted applications while promoting pro-Khalistan network in state, probe had revealed. The module works on instructions of ISI-linked Rinda Sandhu, officials said.
Indian agencies are in touch with their US counterparts to extradite Batala , sources said.
San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said its AGNET Unit - along with SWAT teams from FBI, Stockton police, Manteca police and Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office - executed five coordinated search warrants across county.
Those arrested include Batala, said to be the prime suspect, Dilpreet Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Vishal, Gurtaj Singh, Manpreet Randhawa and Sarabjit Singh. Each has been booked into San Joaquin County Jail on various felony charges, including kidnapping, torture, false imprisonment, conspiracy to commit crime, preventing/dissuading witness, assault with semiautomatic firearm, and threats to terrorize.
Sheriff's office released video of the suspects, and arms and ammunition seized from them - five handguns (including a fully automatic Glock), assault rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and over $15,000 in cash. Weapons-related charges included possession of machine gun, illegal possession of assault weapon, manufacture/sale of high-capacity magazines, manufacturing short-barrelled rifle, and carrying loaded, unregistered handgun.
"This takedown was part of FBI's Summer Heat initiative, a nationwide effort targeting violent offenders and gang members who terrorize our communities. Summer Heat reflects director (Kash) Patel's commitment to American people to crush crime and restore safety in neighbourhoods across country," sheriff's office said.
In June, NIA named Batala, along with Jatinder Joti and designated BKI terrorist Lakhbir Landa, in a chargesheet. Joti was allegedly involved in illegal procurement and supply of firearms to Punjab-based gangsters. He was facilitating weapons supply to ground operatives of Batala, a close associate of designated individual terrorist Landa, agency said.
The accused allegedly use virtual numbers and encrypted applications while promoting pro-Khalistan network in state, probe had revealed. The module works on instructions of ISI-linked Rinda Sandhu, officials said.
Indian agencies are in touch with their US counterparts to extradite Batala , sources said.
San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said its AGNET Unit - along with SWAT teams from FBI, Stockton police, Manteca police and Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office - executed five coordinated search warrants across county.
Those arrested include Batala, said to be the prime suspect, Dilpreet Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Vishal, Gurtaj Singh, Manpreet Randhawa and Sarabjit Singh. Each has been booked into San Joaquin County Jail on various felony charges, including kidnapping, torture, false imprisonment, conspiracy to commit crime, preventing/dissuading witness, assault with semiautomatic firearm, and threats to terrorize.
Sheriff's office released video of the suspects, and arms and ammunition seized from them - five handguns (including a fully automatic Glock), assault rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and over $15,000 in cash. Weapons-related charges included possession of machine gun, illegal possession of assault weapon, manufacture/sale of high-capacity magazines, manufacturing short-barrelled rifle, and carrying loaded, unregistered handgun.
"This takedown was part of FBI's Summer Heat initiative, a nationwide effort targeting violent offenders and gang members who terrorize our communities. Summer Heat reflects director (Kash) Patel's commitment to American people to crush crime and restore safety in neighbourhoods across country," sheriff's office said.
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