Who Is Nitish Kaushal? Indian National Added to FBI's Most Wanted List
The FBI has added Indian national Nitish Kaushal to its most wanted list for alleged roles in the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria criminal syndicate, including murder, trafficking, and kidnapping. Following 'Operation Hard Ball', a federal arrest warrant was issued in California on June 25. Kaushal is considered armed and dangerous, and the FBI is seeking public assistance in locating him.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added Indian national Nitish Kaushal to its list of most wanted criminals, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing international campaign to dismantle the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organised Crime Group (OCG). The agency announced on Tuesday, July 14, that Kaushal is wanted for his alleged role in a transnational criminal syndicate responsible for a wide range of violent felonies, including murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.
Who Is Nitish Kaushal?
Nitish Kaushal is identified by US law enforcement as an active operative and associate of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria OCG. According to the FBI, Kaushal allegedly conducted high-stakes violent operations on behalf of the syndicate, which originated in Punjab, India, and maintains an active footprint in the Central District of California and other regions. Why Did FBI Put USD 50,000 Reward on Goldy Brar Aka Satinderjeet Singh?
FBI Adds Indian National Nitish Kaushal To Most Wanted List
Federal investigators allege that his criminal activities extend beyond violence to include extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling. The FBI has officially classified Kaushal as "armed and dangerous" and warned that he is considered an escape risk.
Legal Charges and Federal Warrant
The pursuit of Kaushal intensified on June 25, when the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Los Angeles, issued a federal arrest warrant for him. He has been formally charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) conspiracy. "Nitish Kaushal is wanted by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organisation engaged in, among other things, acts involving murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling," the FBI said in its statement.
Operation Hard Ball and Global Crackdown
The inclusion of Kaushal on the most wanted list follows "Operation Hard Ball", a coordinated multinational enforcement effort aimed at neutralising the Bhagwanpuria crime network. The operation involved synchronised raids and law enforcement actions across the United States, Canada, and Europe, reflecting an increased global focus on dismantling criminal syndicates with roots in India. Reports indicate that the broader crackdown has already resulted in charges against dozens of individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics, weapons, and illicit funds. Who Is Gurinderjit Singh Nagra? Punjab Cop Named in FBI Extortion Case.
The FBI has urged members of the public to come forward with any information regarding Kaushal’s whereabouts. Authorities have requested that tips be directed to the nearest local FBI office, American Embassy, or consulate.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).