Himanshu Bhau's Overseas Arrest: What It Means for Gangsters

The arrest of notorious gangster Himanshu Bhau abroad has been called a major success by former Delhi Police DCP LN Rao. He said the development is a joint achievement of Indian agencies and a warning to criminals who try to control operations from overseas.

According to Rao, Haryana Police, Delhi Police and other Indian agencies worked together in the case. He said Interpol and the CBI played a major role by passing key information to the concerned agency. Acting on this input, the agency carried out raids and detained Himanshu Bhau and one of his companions. Both have been linked to several cases, and their extradition process will now start.

Rao said Himanshu Bhau had been running his network from abroad. He began his life in crime at 17 or 18, and his criminal activities escalated quickly, placing him among serious offenders. Rao noted that he did not hesitate after committing offences. Following the arrest, he will be questioned, and more information about his network is expected to surface.

Rao also discussed the juvenile law, which he described as relatively lenient and often beneficial for minors. Himanshu Bhau reportedly entered the world of crime at 17. Later, after moving abroad, he allegedly began managing his network from there. Rao said he had recruited many members into his gang. He gave orders from abroad, and his people in India executed them. Rao referred to these people as shooters or field operatives who carry out firing, threats and the collection of extortion money.

He said the action will have an effect on other gangsters who direct criminal activity from abroad. Rao stated that action against all such offenders is planned, though the time required varies from one case to another. He cited the difficulty in reaching Himanshu Bhau and putting him under pressure as an example of how long such efforts can take.

Rao said these operations depend on intelligence inputs, including when and how information reaches a specific police agency. He appreciated Haryana Police for acting rapidly after receiving the information.

He explained that if wanted criminals are known to be abroad, they can be caught through Interpol, as was done here. Rao said several accused persons have previously been brought back from other countries. He also said he himself had escorted a militant accused back to India from New York City. The entire procedure, he noted, rests on extradition treaties between India and other countries.

Rao concluded that the timeline for bringing back an accused depends on how quickly legal formalities are completed.

On the Delhi Metro poster issue, Rao said the line is an important route linking New Delhi and IGI Airport. He described putting such posters inside trains as a legal offence, which is why Delhi Police registered a case. Those responsible are being identified, and the content and purpose of the posters will be clear only after the probe.

Rao said the investigation will also examine whether the act was an attempt to malign an elected government, disrupt its work, or was done for another reason. The Special Cell has been entrusted with the case because of its investigative experience, and Rao expressed belief that it will soon trace those who put up the posters.

He added that questioning after arrests will reveal who was behind the act, what the motive was, whether any political party had a role, or whether it was merely mischief.