In a significant development in the fight against cross-border organized crime, Punjab Police, with the help of Central agencies, has apprehended fugitive Bhuvnesh Chopra, also known as Ashish. The arrest followed his deportation from a Central Asian country to face charges related to several serious crimes, as confirmed by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.
The Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC), set up under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s directives, and operating within the Internal Security wing, played a crucial role in this operation. DGP Yadav mentioned that a Red Notice and Look-Out Circular were issued to track and curb Chopra’s international movements.
Chopra, a resident of Ferozepur, was a wanted figure in various high-profile cases, including the Ferozepur triple murder and multiple drug trafficking incidents. He was facing charges in at least nine FIRs across districts like Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Patiala.
According to DGP Yadav, Chopra was a key player in smuggling narcotics from Pakistan into Punjab and had fled abroad to escape legal consequences. Apart from drug trafficking, he was also the main instigator behind the triple murder in Ferozepur in August 2024. His arrest is expected to disrupt the drug logistics network entering Ferozepur and neighboring border districts, dealing a significant blow to cross-border drug trafficking activities.
