SerpApi.Org
An Indian-origin fugitive who was added to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Most Wanted list and charged with racketeering was apprehended by Border Patrol agents in less than 24 hours.
Nitish Kaushal, who is also known by his alias, “Lala,” was arrested on Thursday, July 16, 2026, near the Canada border in Alburgh, Vermont, when Border Patrol agents responded to a report of a suspected break-in attempt at a house, authorities in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) claimed.
According to authorities at CBP, in the wee hours of July 16, at approximately 2 a.m., agents from CBP’s Swanton Sector division found an abandoned and disabled vehicle that was allegedly blocking Blair Road in Alburgh.
The New York-registered vehicle raised concerns about possible illegal cross-border activity, thus creating a safety risk. Border Patrol contacted the Vermont State Police, who arrived at the scene and had the vehicle towed away to clear the roadway.
A few hours later, at about 6:30 a.m., a resident on Blair Road reported that someone was trying to break into their home. According to authorities, Border Patrol agents quickly responded and reached the location by around 7 a.m., where they detained Kaushal, 26.
Records reportedly revealed that Kaushal had been issued a Notice to Appear under the Alternatives to Detention program in 2022. Authorities also found that the FBI wanted him on a kidnapping warrant issued in Los Angeles, California. He had been added to the FBI Most Wanted List the previous day, on July 15, 2026.
Investigators also found that Kaushal had an extensive criminal history. It included charges of murder and criminal conspiracy, along with a felony conviction in Sacramento, California, for selling and possessing a high-capacity magazine. In that case, he was sentenced to 60 days in jail followed by 24 months of probation.
When he was taken into custody, agents allege that Kaushal was carrying a small quantity of suspected narcotics, which have been sent for laboratory testing. He was later taken to Northwestern Medical Center for treatment of a possible leg injury believed to have been sustained during the incident.
After receiving medical clearance, he was transferred into FBI custody, and the agency will handle the ongoing investigation and prosecution.
According to the FBI’s website, Nitish Kaushal was wanted for his “alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organization” known as the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Organized Crime Group (the “Bhagwanpuria OCG”), which originated in Punjab, India.
The organization, which apparently operated in the Central District of California and elsewhere, is said to have engaged in several crimes and illegal activities including murder, kidnapping, dr*g trafficking, extortion, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and human smuggling.
According to the website, “Kaushal is alleged to have carried out acts of violence on behalf of the Bhagwanpuria OCG, including, but not limited to, kidnappings and assaults. On June 25, 2026, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Kaushal in the United States District Court, Central District of California, Los Angeles, California, after he was charged with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy.”
