El Mencho killed: Indian Embassy in Mexico urges nationals to shelter in place

The Embassy of India in Mexico issued an urgent advisory early Monday, asking Indian nationals in several Mexican states to shelter in place amid escalating violence following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho.”

In its statement, the Embassy of India in Mexico said there were “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity” and urged Indians in Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas (including Reynosa), as well as parts of Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, to remain indoors until further notice.

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The mission advised nationals to avoid areas around law enforcement activity, stay away from crowds, minimise unnecessary movement, and monitor local media for updates. It also asked citizens to follow local authorities’ directions and dial 911 in case of emergency. For assistance, the embassy shared its emergency contact number: +52 55 4847 7539.

Mexican cartel boss 'El Mencho' killed

The advisory comes hours after Oseguera, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died following a military operation in Jalisco state.

According to Mexico’s defence ministry, the 60-year-old cartel chief was injured in a special forces raid in Tapalpa on Sunday and later died in custody. His body was transported to Mexico City in a heavily guarded convoy of National Guard troops.

Mexican authorities said the operation was led by domestic forces, with intelligence support from the United States. A US defence official told Reuters that a US military-led task force played a role, while Mexico’s defence ministry said it received “complementary information” from the US.

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Soon after reports of his death surfaced, cartel members blocked highways with burning vehicles and torched businesses across more than half a dozen states, disrupting transport and daily life. Authorities said no civilian deaths had been reported.

Oseguera, a former police officer, founded the CJNG and oversaw its rise into one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organisations. Beyond drug trafficking, the cartel expanded into fuel theft, extortion, human smuggling and financial fraud, and was known for deploying drones in attacks in western Mexico.

His killing marks one of Mexico’s most high-profile blows against cartels accused of producing and trafficking drug, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)