Gurugram: Haryana Police has identified 15 to 20 gangsters operating from overseas who are allegedly directing criminal activities in the state remotely, Director General of Police Ajay Singhal, a 1992-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, said on Monday.
Singhal said such networks are using technology and overseas connections to threaten people, run extortion operations and coordinate crimes in Haryana without being physically present in the state. The DGP made the remarks during the inauguration of a new police station building in Gurugram’s Sector 17/18. Haryana Police’s official directory lists Singhal as the state DGP.
Haryana Police Steps Up Action Against Overseas Criminal Networks
Singhal said Haryana Police had recently brought back its 25th gangster in the last two years through deportation, with the latest person, a Kurukshetra resident, being brought from Malaysia two days before his remarks.
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This comes amid intensified efforts by the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) against criminals operating from foreign locations. In a September 25 update, Haryana STF said it had brought back a wanted gang member from Malaysia on September 24, marking its 15th successful deportation of 2026. The accused was allegedly linked to organised crime, ransom/extortion and Arms Act offences.
Earlier this month, Haryana Police said 27 wanted gangsters had been brought back from abroad through deportation or extradition, while proceedings were underway against 12 more detained overseas. Police also reported the issuance of Look-Out Circulars, Red Corner Notices and Interpol references against wanted criminals.
Extradition Proceedings Against Deepak Nandal’s Wife
Gurugram Police has also initiated extradition proceedings against Meenakshi, wife of wanted gangster Deepak Nandal, who is reported to be in Dubai, according to an officer cited in the report.
Police allege that she provided logistical and financial support to members of criminal networks operating in Haryana. Nandal himself is wanted in multiple cases involving allegations including murder, extortion, attempted murder and offences under the Arms Act.
Gurugram Police had earlier arrested seven alleged associates linked to the Deepak Nandal and Himanshu Bhau networks. Police said the accused were involved in organised crime across Haryana and Delhi-NCR and recovered firearms, ammunition and mobile phones during the operation.
Police Uses Technology to Counter Organised Crime and Cyber Fraud
Singhal said Haryana Police has prepared a standard operating procedure (SOP) and introduced technological measures, including applications and expanded CCTV monitoring, to counter threats from organised crime networks.
On cybercrime, the DGP described the problem as borderless and said police were using measures including the Abhedya app, dual-OTP systems, the 112 emergency response service and the 1930 cybercrime helpline.
He cited a recent case involving a Karnal jeweller who allegedly lost ₹1 crore through WhatsApp hacking. According to Singhal, the victim contacted the 1930 helpline within five minutes, allowing police to prevent the entire amount from being lost.
ATS, Special Operation Groups and Anti-Narcotics Measures
Singhal also said an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been opened in Gurugram and that the state government has created seven Special Operation Groups to handle terrorism-related cases.
He identified narcotics as another major challenge and said Haryana’s proximity to Punjab contributes to drug-smuggling concerns. The state has an Anti-Narcotics Task Force headed by an ADGP to tackle the issue.
The DGP also highlighted measures related to women’s safety, including Haryana’s 33 women police stations, Durga Shakti Rapid Action Force, emergency assistance services and trip-monitoring facilities for women travelling alone.
On police recruitment, Singhal said the force currently has around 26% vacancies. He said about 5,500 personnel were recruited last year, another 5,500 appointments were underway, and further recruitment was expected in November and by March next year.
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