New Delhi/Washington, Nov 20 (NationPress) The United States (US) on Thursday expressed its gratitude for the collaborative efforts with Indian security agencies aimed at dismantling terror-associated networks and ensuring that criminals are held accountable.

In a statement released on X, the US Embassy in India remarked, "We appreciate our ongoing collaboration with India’s security agencies as we work together to dismantle terror-linked networks and hold criminals accountable. This emphasizes our shared commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens."

This statement from the US Embassy follows a press release from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which detailed the arrest of gangster Anmol Bishnoi on Wednesday after his deportation from the US.

Anmol Bishnoi, who resided in the United States, was returned to India and taken into custody upon arrival. He had been evading arrest since 2022 and is the 19th individual apprehended in connection with the terror syndicate purportedly led by Lawrence Bishnoi.

A special court on Wednesday placed Anmol Bishnoi in NIA custody for 11 days, with a future court appearance scheduled for November 29 at 2 PM.

The NIA has indicated that Anmol is a pivotal figure in the BKI–Bishnoi gangster syndicate and has played a crucial role in managing its operations.

According to the NIA, Anmol was formally chargesheeted in March 2023, following investigations that revealed his involvement in supporting designated terrorist Goldy Brar and his brother in various terrorism-related activities in India between 2020 and 2023.

The agency reported that Anmol utilized his base in the US to facilitate gang operations, coordinate with accomplices, provide shelter and logistics to shooters, and oversee extortion schemes targeting individuals in India.

The NIA continues its investigation into the extensive connections between terrorists, gangsters, and arms traffickers, including their infrastructure and funding mechanisms.

Anmol Bishnoi is facing multiple criminal charges, including conspiracy to murder the former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique, who was shot in Mumbai in October of the previous year.

He is also under investigation for his involvement in the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra in April last year. His suspected role in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, which is one of the most high-profile cases associated with the Bishnoi-Brar syndicate, is also being examined.

In November 2024, Bishnoi was apprehended in California, United States, for entering the country with false documents.

This occurred shortly after India initiated the extradition process, following a non-bailable warrant issued by a Maharashtra court and a Red Corner Notice from Interpol.

Earlier in April, the NIA successfully extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key conspirator in the tragic 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, after years of persistent efforts to bring him to justice.

Rana (64), a Canadian national of Pakistani descent primarily residing in Chicago, was escorted to New Delhi by teams from the National Security Guard (NSG) and NIA, consisting of senior officials, on a special flight from Los Angeles. In the US, Rana was held in judicial custody due to proceedings initiated by the NIA under the India-US Extradition Treaty.