Nitish Kaushal arrested in US after FBI puts Indian-origin gangster on Most Wanted list

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested alleged Bhagwanpuria gang associate Nitish Kaushal in Vermont, days after adding him to its list of wanted criminals.

Kaushal, who is accused of being involved with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria organised crime group, was wanted by US authorities over allegations of participating in a transnational criminal network linked to violent crimes.

The FBI had earlier identified Kaushal as a key associate of the gang, which investigators say operates across India and North America. The group has been accused of involvement in crimes including murder, kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.

FBI allegations against Kaushal

According to US authorities, Kaushal allegedly carried out criminal activities on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria group, including acts of violence and intimidation.

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The FBI had issued a federal arrest warrant for Kaushal after he was charged with conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act, a law often used by US authorities to prosecute organised crime networks.

The agency had appealed to the public for information about his whereabouts before his arrest.

Kaushal’s arrest comes as US law enforcement agencies intensify efforts against international criminal groups operating across borders.

The Bhagwanpuria gang, named after alleged Indian gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, has been accused by authorities of expanding its activities beyond India, with links to criminal operations in North America.

US officials have increasingly focused on networks involved in organised crime, particularly those accused of using diaspora connections to operate across multiple countries.

Several individuals facing charges linked to such organised crime cases could face lengthy prison terms if convicted under US federal law.

Authorities have not yet released further details about Kaushal’s arrest or the circumstances surrounding his capture in Vermont.

The FBI is expected to continue its investigation into the wider network and alleged associates connected to the Bhagwanpuria gang.