He is accused of directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents and organised criminal networks in Punjab while operating from abroad.
Gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi, wanted in more than 30 heinous criminal cases, was brought to India from Ethiopia by the Punjab Police on Sunday. Police sources told HT that this was the first time the Punjab Police had secured the return of a fugitive from an African country.
Afridi, a resident of Tut village in Tarn Taran district, carried a ₹5 lakh reward announced by the Punjab government. Officials said he was taken into custody by the state police at Delhi airport during the intervening night of November 7 and 8 and was being brought to Punjab to face legal proceedings.
Who is gangster Gurwinder alias Afridi?
An alleged key kingpin of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal gang, he is accused of directing targeted killings, extortion-related firing incidents and organised criminal networks in Punjab while operating from abroad, news agency PTI reported.
He is reportedly wanted in more than 30 serious criminal cases, including five murder cases, attempted murder, extortion and offences under the Arms Act.
His name surfaced during the investigation into an attack on a church in Thakkarpura village of Tarn Taran on August 31, 2022. Four masked men allegedly held the church’s security guard at gunpoint, damaged statues of Lord Jesus and Mother Mary, and set the pastor’s car on fire before escaping.
In June 2024, Amritsar Rural Police arrested Jaswinder Singh, alias Munshi, describing him as a key accused in the case. During his initial questioning, Munshi allegedly identified Afridi and two others as his associates in the attack, HT had reported earlier. Police then began searching for the remaining suspects.
Police have linked Afridi to five high-profile murders in Punjab. These include the killings of Sarpanch Rajwinder, alias Raj Talwandi, in October 2024; a 12-year-old in March 2025; Vicky Chugh in March 2025; Jaswant Singh in May 2025; and Congress block president Gurmel Singh in September 2025.