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Himanshu Bhau Arrested in the United States: India’s Most-Wanted Gangster Detained by the FBI
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FBI Arrest of Himanshu Bhau in the United States
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken Himanshu Bhau—real name Himanshu Ritoliya—into custody in the United States. He appears on Haryana and Delhi police most-wanted lists for murders, extortion, kidnapping and organized-crime offenses across northern India. An Interpol Red Notice issued in August 2023 flagged him for provisional arrest pending extradition.
Background & Context
Himanshu Bhau, from Ritoli village in Rohtak, Haryana, entered crime as a teenager. Police say he first surfaced in 2020 after a botched killing attempt, was placed in a juvenile observation home in Hisar, escaped, and obtained a passport with forged documents. He is believed to have moved from Dubai to Portugal, where he directed a syndicate that recruited shooters via encrypted apps. His network is linked to the Neeraj Bawana and Naveen Bali gangs and rivals the jailed Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar faction. The gang has been tied to a Burger King outlet attack in Delhi, gunfire outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s residence in 2025, and extortion threats against builders and traders in the NCR.
Timeline
- 2020 – Escape from juvenile facility in Hisar.
- 2022 – Three murders reported in Haryana within 24 hours; police allege Bhau’s network coordinated the attacks.
- August 2023 – Interpol issues Red Notice.
- Sept 14, 2025 – Gym trainer Vijay Kumar shot dead in South Delhi’s Aya Nagar (?15 rounds).
- Earlier 2025 – Dairy businessman Ratan Lohia shot dead near his home (?60 rounds).
- Late 2024–early 2025 – Suspected entry into the United States via the “Dunkey Route.”
- 2025 – Gang claims responsibility for firing at Elvish Yadav’s house.
- 2026 – Police investigate killing of a property dealer in outer Delhi; two alleged shooters killed in a September encounter, a juvenile accomplice detained.
- Sept 2026 – Bhau reportedly posts on social media claiming responsibility for a murder in Aya Nagar.
Data & Statistics
- 18 criminal cases listed in the Interpol Red Notice (murder, attempted murder, extortion, intimidation, forgery).
- Rewards: INR1.55 lakh (Haryana), INR2.5 lakh (Central Government), INR1 lakh (Delhi) for information.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal said the Vijay Kumar case initially appeared personal, and multiple teams are tracing the attackers. Officials clarified that an Interpol Red Notice is a request to locate and provisionally detain, not an international arrest warrant. Extradition talks with U.S. authorities are underway, though no transfer date has been set.
Why It Matters
The arrest highlights transnational law-enforcement cooperation between India and the United States. Returning Bhau could disrupt a network linked to numerous violent crimes and extortion schemes across northern India and tests the practical use of Interpol Red Notices for fugitives operating abroad.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of cases: some cite “multiple,” while the Interpol notice specifies 18. The legal path for extradition—direct transfer to Indian custody or initial U.S. proceedings—remains unclear.
What’s Next
Indian agencies will coordinate with U.S. authorities to start extradition proceedings. Details on court hearings, appeals or transfer logistics have not been disclosed; further updates depend on diplomatic and judicial outcomes in both countries.