FBI’s Major Arrest in Gang-Related Case

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested eight individuals, including Pavittar Singh Batala, a notorious gangster from Punjab, India, who is on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) most wanted list. The arrests were made in connection with a gang-related kidnapping and torture case in San Joaquin County, United States. Batala is reportedly linked to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and is sought by Indian authorities for alleged terror activities.

Coordinated Law Enforcement Operation

On July 11, 2025, a coordinated operation was executed by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office AGNET Unit, in collaboration with the Stockton Police Department SWAT Team, Manteca Police Department SWAT Team, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, and the FBI SWAT Team. The operation involved five search warrants across San Joaquin County as part of the investigation into the gang-related crimes.

Details of the Arrested Individuals

Alongside Batala, the other suspects include Dilpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Manpreet Randhawa, Sarabjit Singh, Gurtaj Singh, and an individual identified only as Vishal. These individuals face multiple charges such as kidnapping, torture, wrongful confinement, intimidating or threatening a witness, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and making criminal threats. They have been detained at the San Joaquin County Jail.

Seizure of Weapons and Cash

During the searches, law enforcement officials seized six firearms—including a fully automatic Glock—hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several high-capacity magazines, and over $15,000 in cash. The suspects were also charged with possession of a machine gun and an unregistered loaded handgun, along with manufacturing and selling high-capacity magazines and a short-barrel rifle.

Part of FBI’s Summer Heat Initiative

This operation is part of the FBI’s Summer Heat initiative aimed at targeting violent offenders and gang members across the United States. The initiative reflects Director Kash Patel’s commitment to reducing crime and enhancing safety in American neighborhoods.

Implications for International Crime Networks

The arrests highlight the ongoing issue of international criminals seeking refuge in North America to evade legal actions in their home countries. Notably, several Indian terrorists and gangsters have relocated to the US and Canada to continue their illicit activities from abroad.