Himanshu Bhau, a name that sends shivers down the spines of law enforcement agencies and civilians alike, is one of India’s most wanted gangsters. At just 21 years old, this Portugal-based criminal mastermind has carved a notorious reputation in the Delhi-NCR underworld and beyond. Known for his audacious crimes, including murder, extortion, and gang wars, Himanshu Bhau’s journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming an Interpol target is a chilling tale of ambition, violence, and evasion. This detailed biography explores his early life, criminal career, key incidents, gang affiliations, and the ongoing efforts to bring him to justice as of February 24, 2025.
Early Life and Background of Himanshu Bhau
Himanshu, popularly known as "Bhau," was born in 2003 in Ritauli village, Rohtak district, Haryana, India. Hailing from a modest background, his early years were unremarkable, much like any other teenager in rural Haryana. However, beneath this ordinary exterior lay a restless spirit that would soon veer into the dark alleys of crime. Ritauli, a quiet village surrounded by wheat fields, provided little indication of the storm that Bhau would unleash in the years to come.
As a student, Bhau was reportedly enrolled in a local school, but his academic pursuits took a backseat as he became embroiled in petty disputes. His first brush with crime came in 2020, just months shy of his 18th birthday. What started as a minor altercation in his village escalated into a life-altering event when Bhau opened fire on a fellow villager in a fit of rage. Though the victim survived, this incident marked Bhau’s entry into the world of crime and set the stage for his rapid rise in the underworld.
The Criminal Awakening: From Juvenile Delinquent to Gangster
Following the 2020 shooting, Bhau was apprehended by the Haryana Police and sent to a juvenile detention center in Hisar due to his age. However, his stint in confinement was short-lived. Within weeks, he orchestrated a daring escape, showcasing the cunning and determination that would define his criminal career. This escape was a turning point, propelling him from a small-time delinquent to a figure of interest for law enforcement.
After evading custody, Bhau wasted no time in aligning himself with established criminal networks. By 2022, he had become a prime suspect in at least 17 First Information Reports (FIRs) filed across Jhajjar and Rohtak districts. These cases included charges of murder, attempted murder, and extortion—crimes that hinted at his growing influence and ruthlessness. His ability to operate under the radar while expanding his criminal footprint made him a formidable threat.
The Rise of Himanshu Bhau in the Delhi-NCR Underworld
Bhau’s ascent in the underworld was meteoric. By 2022, law enforcement began linking him to a series of high-profile crimes, particularly after three murders occurred within 24 days in March of that year. These killings, allegedly orchestrated by Bhau on March 3, 7, and 28, showcased his penchant for violence and strategic planning. The Haryana Police intensified their efforts, conducting raids on his suspected hideouts, but Bhau remained elusive.
His operations soon extended beyond Haryana into the Delhi-NCR region, where he targeted businessmen, traders, and even prominent figures for extortion. One of his most audacious acts came in December 2023, when his associates allegedly fired over 40 rounds at a builder’s office in Dwarka, Delhi. This brazen attack underscored Bhau’s disregard for law and order and cemented his reputation as a feared gangster.
Bhau’s gang, often operating in tandem with associates like Yogesh Kadian and Sahil Ritolia, became synonymous with firepower. Incidents involving dozens of bullets—such as the 35-40 rounds fired at liquor businessman Sundar Malik at Gulshan Dhaba in Murthal in March 2024—became a hallmark of his syndicate. These acts of violence were not just criminal endeavors but also statements of dominance in the underworld.
Gang Affiliations and International Connections
Himanshu Bhau’s rise was bolstered by his alliances with other notorious gangsters and criminal syndicates. He is believed to have forged ties with the Bambiha gang, a rival to the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, as well as pro-Khalistan groups operating abroad. His association with jailed gangster Neeraj Bawana, a prominent figure in Delhi’s criminal landscape, further amplified his reach.
Bhau’s international connections became evident when he fled India in late 2022. Using forged documents, he escaped to Dubai before settling in Portugal, where he continues to orchestrate his gang’s activities. His key associates, Yogesh Kadian (based in the United States) and Sahil Ritolia, play crucial roles in managing operations, with Kadian known for his expertise in sophisticated weaponry and Sahil overseeing extortion rackets. These transnational links have made Bhau a priority for agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Interpol.
Key Criminal Incidents Linked to Himanshu Bhau
1. Murthal Dhaba Murder (March 2024)
On a Sunday morning in March 2024, Bhau’s gang executed liquor businessman Sundar Malik at Gulshan Dhaba in Murthal, Haryana. CCTV footage captured the chilling moment when two shooters dragged Malik from his SUV and fired at least 30 rounds at close range. Bhau later claimed responsibility via social media, solidifying his image as a ruthless operator.
2. Rajouri Garden Burger King Shooting (June 18, 2024)
One of Bhau’s most infamous crimes unfolded at a Burger King outlet in Rajouri Garden, Delhi. Three assailants, including two who entered the restaurant, fired approximately 40 rounds, killing Aman Joon, a suspected rival gang sympathizer. Bhau took to Instagram to claim the murder as revenge for the killing of an associate, highlighting his use of social media to amplify his notoriety. The involvement of a woman, later identified as Annu Dhankar, who lured Joon to the location, added a layer of intrigue to the case.
3. Hisar Revenge Shooting (August 2024)
In August 2024, Bhau claimed responsibility for a shooting in Hisar, Haryana, where four individuals were targeted, resulting in one death and three injuries. He described the attack as retribution for a tip-off that led to the deaths of his henchmen in a police encounter in July 2024, further escalating his gang’s rivalry with law enforcement and rival factions.
Law Enforcement’s Pursuit of Himanshu Bhau
Bhau’s criminal empire has not gone unchallenged. The Haryana Police have placed a bounty of Rs 1.5 lakh on his head, while Delhi Police have offered Rs 1 lakh for information leading to his arrest. In April 2023, with assistance from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Interpol issued a Red Corner Notice against him, signaling his status as an international fugitive.
The NIA has also been tracking Bhau due to his alleged links with terrorist organizations like Arshdeep Dalla’s network. In May 2024, Delhi Police invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Bhau and his gang for running an extortion syndicate. Raids, arrests of associates like his cousin Vicky in August 2024, and the apprehension of Annu Dhankar in October 2024 near the Nepal border reflect the relentless efforts to dismantle his network.
Despite these measures, Bhau remains at large, reportedly directing operations from Portugal. His ability to evade capture, even as his associates fall to encounters or arrests, underscores the challenges faced by authorities in tackling modern, tech-savvy gangsters.
The Persona of Himanshu Bhau: Fear and Infamy
In his home village of Ritauli, Bhau’s name invokes fear. Villagers speak in hushed tones, wary of retribution should they reveal too much. His two-storey orange house stands locked and abandoned, a silent testament to his absence and the terror he inspires. Bhau’s use of social media to claim responsibility for crimes has only amplified his infamy, drawing comparisons to other flamboyant gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi.
At just 21, Bhau represents a new breed of criminals—young, audacious, and globally connected. His gang’s flashy lifestyle, promoted online, attracts young recruits eager for fame and fortune, perpetuating a cycle of violence and crime.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Saga of Himanshu Bhau
As of February 24, 2025, Himanshu Bhau remains one of India’s most elusive and dangerous gangsters. His journey from a village delinquent to an international fugitive is a stark reminder of how quickly ambition and violence can intertwine. With law enforcement agencies closing in and his gang facing mounting pressure, the question remains: how long can Bhau evade justice?
For now, his story continues to unfold, a gripping narrative of crime, power, and pursuit that keeps the Delhi-NCR underworld—and the world—on edge. Whether he is eventually captured or continues to reign from afar, Himanshu Bhau’s legacy as a gangster is already etched in the annals of India’s criminal history.
Comments
Post a Comment