Gangster Sahil Chauhan Deported from Thailand in Swift 24-Hour STF Operation
In a dramatic international operation, the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) successfully secured the deportation of a notorious gangster from Thailand within just 24 hours of his arrival in the country. Sahil Chauhan, also known as Sahil Rana, a 26-year-old resident of Ambala, was arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport on April 10 following his forced return from Thailand.
Wanted by Multiple Agencies Across 16 Criminal Cases
Sahil Chauhan is wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and is linked to at least 16 serious criminal cases. These cases span a range of violent offences including murder, attempted murder, extortion, robbery, and violations of the Arms Act. His criminal trajectory reportedly began in 2016 when a college rivalry escalated into violent clashes between rival student groups.
Police investigations reveal Chauhan as a key member of several prominent criminal networks, including the Bhuppi Rana, Davinder Bambiha, and Kaushal Chaudhary gangs. He has been active in organized crime across multiple districts in Haryana, including Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Ambala, and Panchkula.
Previous Conviction and International Escape
Chauhan was previously convicted in a 2017 attempt-to-murder case registered in Yamunanagar and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The case stemmed from a violent attack on a rival named Monu Rana during a dispute linked to student politics. Despite this conviction, he maintained active links with organized criminal networks.
According to STF chief B Satheesh Balan, Chauhan fled India in November 2024 after securing bail. He embarked on an international journey across multiple countries, first escaping to Dhaka before moving through Indonesia, Malaysia, Angola, and Vietnam. During his time abroad, he reportedly ran a furniture shop in Bali and attempted to escape through what authorities describe as the 'donkey route'—a method of illegal migration.
"He travelled from Angola to Portugal, where he was denied onward travel and returned to Bali," Balan explained, detailing the gangster's international movements.
Swift Coordination Leads to Rapid Deportation
STF SP Waseem Akram revealed that Chauhan arrived in Thailand on April 9, 2026, reportedly to arrange medical treatment for his father, including dialysis, and to renew his father's passport for travel. However, intelligence inputs shared by Punjab Police with Haryana authorities led to swift coordination between international agencies.
This coordination resulted in Chauhan's detention and deportation within 24 hours of his arrival in Thailand—a remarkably fast operation that prevented his potential escape to another country.
Fraudulent Passport and International Notices
Authorities disclosed that Chauhan, along with two others, fraudulently obtained a passport using a fake address in Bengaluru. The passport was impounded on March 17, 2026, and law enforcement had already issued a Look Out Circular and Red Corner Notice against him.
An open-dated arrest warrant was also pending in connection with a 2024 case registered at Shahzadpur police station in Ambala under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Passport Act.
Fifth Successful Deportation in 2026
This operation marks the fifth successful deportation by STF Haryana in 2026, following earlier deportations of Ankit Shokeen, Aman Bhainswal, Sombir Motta, and Shilu Dahar. Balan confirmed that STF Haryana continues to pursue the deportation of other gangsters from abroad.
"Efforts are underway to bring back Lovepreet, detained in the US, Venkatesh Garg in Georgia, and Inderjit Singh Yadav from Dubai," he added, indicating an ongoing international crackdown on criminal networks.
Investigation into Criminal Networks and Financing
Balan revealed that gangsters Pawan Shokeen and Manjot were in contact with Chauhan during his stay in Angola. "We are now investigating how he financed his travel across multiple countries and sustained himself abroad," Balan stated. "We will also identify associates who may have helped him operate an extortion racket."
Chauhan is currently in custody, and further investigation is underway to probe his interstate and international criminal links. He will be produced before a court in Yamunanagar, following which STF will seek his custody for detailed interrogation about his criminal activities and network connections.
