AI Generated Summary
- In a major blow to transnational crime networks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Pavittar Singh Batala, a Punjab-based gangster and one of India’s most wanted fugitives, in connection with a violent gang-related kidnapping case in the United States.
- In recent years, figures such as Goldy Brar, Anmol Bishnoi, and Rohit Godara have reportedly used the US and Canada as operational bases to evade law enforcement in India while continuing to orchestrate criminal and terror activities abroad.
- “Summer Heat reflects Director (Kash) Patel’s commitment to the American people to crush crime and restore safety in neighborhoods across the country,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
In a major blow to transnational crime networks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Pavittar Singh Batala, a Punjab-based gangster and one of India’s most wanted fugitives, in connection with a violent gang-related kidnapping case in the United States.
Batala, who is allegedly linked to the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), was captured along with seven other suspects during a series of coordinated raids across San Joaquin County on Friday. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the arrests followed an investigation into a kidnapping and torture incident in the region.
Today, FBI Sacramento partnered with @EROSanFrancisco to arrest undocumented gang affiliates identified during an investigation with @SJSheriff. Our partnerships continue to foster safer communities for all. pic.twitter.com/Jz5rc93g6H
— FBI Sacramento (@FBISacramento) July 12, 2025
The other accused have been identified as Dilpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Manpreet Randhawa, Sarabjit Singh, Gurtaj Singh, and a man known only as Vishal, who refused to reveal his full identity.
🚨Eight Arrested in Gang-Related Kidnapping Case🚨
— San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office (@SJSheriff) July 12, 2025
On July 11, 2025, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office AGNET Unit—alongside the Stockton Police Department SWAT Team, Manteca Police Department SWAT Team, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, and the FBI SWAT… pic.twitter.com/apSFibsioX
Multi-Agency Operation Under ‘Summer Heat’ Initiative
On July 11, 2025, law enforcement agencies executed five simultaneous search warrants across the county. The operation involved the Sheriff’s AGNET Unit, the Stockton Police Department SWAT Team, the Manteca Police Department SWAT Team, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, and the FBI SWAT Team.
The coordinated crackdown was part of the FBI’s “Summer Heat” initiative, a nationwide campaign aimed at dismantling violent criminal networks. “Summer Heat reflects Director (Kash) Patel’s commitment to the American people to crush crime and restore safety in neighborhoods across the country,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Weapons and Cash Seized
During the raids, authorities seized a significant cache of weapons, including a fully automatic Glock, multiple high-capacity magazines, a short-barrel rifle, and an unregistered loaded handgun. Hundreds of rounds of ammunition and more than $15,000 in cash were also recovered.
All eight accused face serious criminal charges, including kidnapping, torture, wrongful confinement, witness intimidation, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and making criminal threats. They have additionally been charged with possession of a machine gun, illegal arms trafficking, and manufacturing and selling high-capacity magazines. All suspects are currently lodged at the San Joaquin County Jail.
Indian Gangsters Using North America as Safe Haven
Batala’s arrest highlights a growing trend of Indian gangsters and terrorists seeking refuge in North America. In recent years, figures such as Goldy Brar, Anmol Bishnoi, and Rohit Godara have reportedly used the US and Canada as operational bases to evade law enforcement in India while continuing to orchestrate criminal and terror activities abroad.
Batala, who has long been on the National Investigation Agency (NIA) most-wanted list in India, is accused of involvement in several terror-related cases. His arrest is likely to open the door for discussions on his possible extradition to India.
