Punjab Police Secures Deportation of Gangster Afridi Tootawala from Ethiopia at IGI Airport

The Punjab Police have successfully deported wanted gangster Gurwinder Singh aka Afridi Tootawala from Ethiopia after ten months of international man hunt. He was handed over to the Punjab Police at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi on November 8, 2026. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation SHAHID’, was carried out jointly by the Punjab Police and Central agencies.

As per Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, this is the first time that the state police has been successful in deporting a fugitive from an African nation.

Afridi Wanted in 35 Criminal Cases

Gurwinder Singh is said to be an important member of the Doni Bal-Prabh Dassuwal group, which has 35 charges pending against him in the state of Punjab, which include five murder charges, attempted murders, extortions, and offences under the Arms Act.

He has been accused by the police of masterminding targeted killings, extorting shootings, and organized crime from foreign countries.

A reward of ₹5 lakh was offered by the Punjab government for any information about his arrest.

The five murder cases include the killings of:

• Sarpanch Rajwinder Singh, alias Raj Talwandi, in October 2024.
• 12-year-old Gursewak Singh in March 2025.
• Vicky Chugh in March 2025.
• Jaswant Singh in May 2025.
• Congress block president Gurmel Singh in September 2025.

These allegations form part of the ongoing criminal investigations against him. 

How Afridi Escaped India and Reached Ethiopia

DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that Afridi traveled out of India via Mumbai airport on March 31, 2025, and went to the UAE with the help of a forged passport by assuming the identity of a Gorakhpur citizen, which he had received in Lucknow on February 12, 2025.

He was found traveling through several countries in the process of an international hunt. Afridi first traveled to UAE and made an attempt to go to Mexico via Istanbul. However, after deportation from UAE, it is reported that he traveled to Kenya in April 2026 and then to Angola in June 2026. Ultimately, he arrived in Ethiopia in November 2026.

The Punjab Police issued an Interpol Red Notice in his name along with other details of his false identity and movements. Seven Interpol references were issued in connection with his case.

Operation SHAHID: 10-Month International Manhunt

Anti-Gangster Task Force headed the operation in conjunction with the Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) of Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence unit.

The operation involved intelligence, surveillance and tracking from multiple countries in Asia, South America and Africa. SP Bikramjit Singh Brar managed the operational activity, while IGP Ashish Chaudhary coordinated internationally.

Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and other intelligence units also assisted in the operation.

What Happens Next?

After his landing at IGI Airport, he was arrested by the Punjab Police and was taken into Punjab to be investigated and prosecuted.

His deportation is a key point in this case as far as efforts are concerned on the part of the government in tracing any criminal network operating from abroad. It is expected that he will be interrogated regarding the cases booked against him and his connection with the rest of the gang.

This case also reveals the significance of international cooperation in tracing any fugitive who tries to escape from India by crossing borders.

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