Punjab secures deportation of wanted gangster Afridi after decade-long manhunt

Punjab's Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav confirmed the development, marking a significant breakthrough in the state's ongoing crackdown on organised crime. The operation involved coordination with international law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend the fugitive, who had evaded capture across multiple jurisdictions.

The Punjab government had previously announced a substantial reward of ₹5 lakh for credible information leading to the gangster's arrest, underscoring the priority given to the case. The reward scheme proved instrumental in generating leads that ultimately facilitated the manhunt's success.

The deportation represents a strategic victory for Punjab Police in their efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating from abroad. Authorities have intensified operations against organised crime syndicates with international connections, particularly those involved in drug trafficking and extortion rackets affecting the state.

The fugitive's return to Punjab will enable law enforcement to proceed with criminal proceedings against him. Senior police officials indicated that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling transnational criminal activity and reinforces commitment to dismantling organised crime infrastructure operating from within and outside India's borders.