Eight Indian-origin men arrested in California kidnapping case; including one linked to banned terror outfit

8 Indian-origin men arrested in California

Eight individuals of Indian origin, including a man wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), have been arrested in California’s San Joaquin County in connection with a gang-related kidnapping and torture case, officials confirmed.

Among those detained is Pavittar Singh Batala, a gangster from Punjab allegedly linked to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and currently facing terror-related charges by the NIA.

Authorities said the arrests were made on Friday following a coordinated operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Teams executed five search warrants across San Joaquin County as part of the investigation.

🚨Eight Arrested in Gang-Related Kidnapping Case🚨

On July 11, 2025, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office AGNET Unit—alongside the Stockton Police Department SWAT Team, Manteca Police Department SWAT Team, Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, and the FBI SWAT… pic.twitter.com/YNHF4XfLBe

— San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office (@SJSheriff) July 12, 2025

The Sheriff's AGNET unit collaborated with SWAT teams from the Stockton and Manteca Police Departments, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI to carry out the operation.

During the raids, authorities recovered five handguns - including a fully-automatic Glock - one assault rifle, large quantities of ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and over $15,000 in cash.