The Bhagwant Mann Police has brought fugitive gangster Gurwinder Singh alias Afridi back to India from Ethiopia following a 10-month international manhunt, in a major operation against organised crime networks. The development was highlighted by AAP Punjab, which described the action as part of the Bhagwant Mann government’s zero-tolerance policy against gangsters.
Bhagwant Mann Police Brings Gangster Gurwinder Alias Afridi Back from Ethiopia
According to Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, the deportation was secured by the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in coordination with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence wing and with support from central agencies. The operation was conducted under the name ‘Operation SHAHID’.
After 10-Month International Manhunt
Afridi is identified by the police as a key figure in the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang. He is wanted in 35 criminal cases, including five murder cases, along with cases involving attempted murder, extortion and offences under the Arms Act. The Punjab Government had also announced a reward of ₹5 lakh for information leading to his arrest.
Police investigations have indicated that Afridi was allegedly directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents and other organised criminal activities in Punjab while operating from abroad. His alleged role in several criminal cases is now expected to be examined further as the investigation proceeds.
The international operation involved intelligence gathering, surveillance and tracking across multiple countries in Asia, South America and Africa. According to the police, Afridi was detained in Ethiopia on November 6, 2026, before being deported to India. He was taken into custody by Punjab Police at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on November 8 and is being brought to Punjab to face legal proceedings.
The Punjab Police also acknowledged the cooperation of the Ministry of External Affairs and other central agencies in facilitating the operation. The DGP described the deportation as the first time Punjab Police had secured the return of a fugitive from an African country.
