Wanted Gangster Himanshu Bhau Arrested in the US
New Delhi, October 24, 2026: Fugitive gangster Himanshu Bhau, one of India’s most-wanted criminals, has been arrested in the United States, marking a significant development in efforts by Indian law-enforcement agencies to track down fugitives operating from abroad. His associate, Neeraj Faridpuria, has also been arrested, according to reports. Indian authorities are coordinating with US agencies to secure their return to India.
The arrests reportedly took place in Las Vegas on October 22 following inputs from the Haryana Special Task Force (STF). The operation involved US law-enforcement authorities, including assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officials are now pursuing the necessary legal procedures to bring the two men back to India to face cases registered against them.
Wanted in Multiple Criminal Cases
Himanshu Bhau, whose real name is Himanshu Ritoliya, hails from Ritoli village in Rohtak district of Haryana. He has been wanted by Haryana and Delhi Police in several cases involving allegations of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, extortion, criminal intimidation and organised crime.
An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him in August 2023 at the request of Indian law-enforcement agencies. Police have alleged that he continued to operate a criminal network from overseas while maintaining links with associates in India.
Investigators have also linked Bhau’s alleged network to a series of shootings and targeted attacks in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and neighbouring states. His name has featured in investigations into several high-profile criminal incidents. However, allegations against him remain subject to judicial proceedings.
Connection With Gang Rivalries
Bhau has been described by police and media reports as a rival of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. His alleged network has also been associated with other organised-crime groups operating across northern India.
Authorities suspect that members of the network were involved in violent incidents and extortion activities targeting individuals and businesses. Investigators have been examining suspected links between gang members, local shooters and criminal operations allegedly coordinated from outside India.
Deportation or Extradition Process
The arrests have prompted renewed coordination between Indian agencies and US authorities. Haryana STF is reportedly working with central agencies to facilitate the transfer of the accused to India.
The next steps will depend on the legal grounds for their detention and the applicable US and Indian procedures. Depending on the circumstances, authorities may pursue deportation or formal extradition. A Red Notice assists international police cooperation but does not itself constitute an arrest warrant.
The case highlights the growing cooperation between Indian and American law-enforcement agencies in tackling organised crime and tracking fugitives across international borders.
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