US ICE arrests Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Faridpuria in Las Vegas: Will India bring the gangsters back?

Two men wanted in multiple criminal cases in India are now in US immigration custody, potentially bringing Indian investigators closer to a breakthrough in a long-running manhunt. Gangsters Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Faridpuria were arrested in Las Vegas on October 22, according to reports.

The development has put the spotlight on the alleged criminal networks operating across borders, and on the legal process required to bring fugitives back to India.

Who are Himanshu Bhau and Neeraj Faridpuria?

Bhau, whose real name is Himanshu Ritoliya, hails from Rohtak in Haryana. He is among the fugitives wanted by Haryana and Delhi Police in connection with multiple cases involving murder, attempted murder, extortion, criminal intimidation and forgery.

According to Hindustan Times, Bhau is wanted in 18 criminal cases. Interpol issued a Red Notice against him in August 2023, seeking international assistance to locate him and facilitate possible arrest pending legal proceedings. Faridpuria, also known as Neeraj Kaushik, is from Haryana’s Palwal district. Akashvani News reported that more than 25 criminal cases have been registered against him.

Why are the two gangsters being held in the US?

The US government’s online detainee locator lists two Indian-born men, Himanshu Sigroha and Neeraj Kaushik, at the Henderson Detention Center in Nevada, outside Las Vegas. Their cases fall under the jurisdiction of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Las Vegas.

Indian authorities have identified the detainees as Bhau and Faridpuria. Their current custody is under US immigration authorities; a transfer to India would require the relevant legal procedures. Haryana’s Special Task Force is reportedly in contact with US authorities and central agencies to secure their deportation.

What cases have been linked to Bhau’s alleged gang?

Investigators have linked members of Bhau’s alleged network to several high-profile incidents. These include the August 2025 firing outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s Gurugram residence. Police arrested alleged shooters in the case and said they had acted on instructions linked to Bhau and Faridpuria.

The alleged network has also been connected to the 2024 shooting at a Burger King outlet in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden, where a 26-year-old man was killed. Bhau reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to media reports. These allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.

Will India deport or extradite the two men?

That remains the central question. Indian agencies are seeking their return, but detention in the US does not automatically mean immediate deportation or extradition. The route will depend on the applicable legal process and any proceedings or claims raised by the detainees.

Neither ICE custody nor an Interpol Red Notice establishes guilt. The next major development will be whether US authorities approve their transfer and when Indian investigators can question them on the cases registered against them.

(With inputs from ANI)