KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
19-Mar-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on March 19, acting on orders from a special NIA court, attached immovable properties belonging to two accused individuals identified as Gurwinder Singh alias Baba and Harbhinder Singh alias Pinder alias Dhillon, who were involved in the killing of Shaurya Chakra awardee Balwinder Singh Sandhu by Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) agents, in Punjab. The investigations revealed their involvement in aiding the murder plot, with Gurwinder supplying weapons and Harbhinder assisting in reconnaissance. The properties include 9 marla of land in Peeran Bagh village and 2 kanal 7 sarsai of land in Salimpur Arian villages registered in Gurwinder's name in Gurdaspur district, Punjab, and 2 kanal and 10 marla of land in Jeobala village in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, registered in Harbhinder's name.
19-Mar-2024
Two years after the Kasol village IED blast in Himachal Pradesh (HP), the Fazilka police on March 19 arrested two members of a terror module operated by Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda for their involvement in the blast, identified as Ravitej Singh and Balwinder Singh alias Ballu, and seized one pistol and two cartridges from their possession in Abohar in Fazilka district in Punjab.
19-Mar-2024
Four days after fugitive swindler Amandeep Kamboj alias Aman Skoda, was arrested by Fazilka police in Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh (UP), the Police on March 19 arrested his nephew Praveen Kumar alias Prince and seized one 0.32 bore pistol from his possession in Chak Punna Wali village in Fazilka district in Punjab.
19-Mar-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered the continued operation of a terrorist-gangster syndicate within Indian jails, with ties to pro-Khalistan elements. Gangs such as the Bambiha group, along with affiliates like Neeraj Bawana and Kaushal Chaudhary, have expanded their influence through extortion and killings across states. Rivalry between factions like the Lawrence Bishnoi and Chaudhary gangs has led to targeted violence, including murders orchestrated from within prison walls. Key figures like Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, in collaboration with Naveen Dabas, have conspired for cross-border weapon deliveries, aiming to terrorise and target specific political and social groups. These activities involve threats, extortion, and international networks spanning Canada, the United States (US), Europe, and Asia, as uncovered by the NIA's investigations.
19-Mar-2024
In response to a petition filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC), the Punjab government announced on March 19 its intention to issue fresh orders for the detention of Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates under the National Security Act (NSA). This decision follows the completion of their one-year detention period under the NSA, initially invoked by the Punjab police. While the law prohibits extending detention beyond one year, there is provision for issuing fresh orders pending the release of the official orders by the state government. Currently, Amritpal and his associates are lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam.
19-Mar-2024
A year-long probe conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) uncovered parallels between the emerging gangster-Pro Khalistan Elements (PKEs) nexus and the 1990s Dawood Ibrahim gang, with Lawrence Bishnoi and Kaushal Chaudhary gangs playing central roles akin to Dawood and Chhota Rajan. Lawrence Bishnoi's syndicate, resembling Dawood's D-Company, expanded its influence across North India, engaging in targeted killings and extortions, with ties to foreign associates like Goldy Brar in Canada. Meanwhile, Kaushal Chaudhary's gang operated in multiple states, collaborating with associates like Bhupinder Singh and Gaurav Patyal. The alliances forged by Bishnoi spanned various north Indian states and even overseas, making him a formidable figure in criminal operations, while funds from extortion activities were channelled abroad for investment, notably in Thailand by associates like Manish Bhandari. The PKEs-gangsters nexus, fuelled by incidents like the Bargari Morcha agitation, led to contacts with Pakistan-based terrorists like Harmeet Singh alias PhD, resulting in targeted killings and even a jailbreak orchestrated by gangster-turned-terrorist Ramanjit Singh. Further connections extended to United States (US)-Canada links, with figures like Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla collaborating with Khalistan militants for extortion and targeted killings, contributing to diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The investigation also unveiled ties to Philippines-based gangsters for extortion and terror funding, illustrating the international reach and complexity of the syndicate's operations.
19-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police conducted a joint search operation on March 19 based on intelligence from the BSF Intelligence Wing and arrested one unidentified person and seized approximately 14.50 kg of opium plants after discovering illegal poppy cultivation along with coriander in an agricultural field near Chak Khewa and Dhani Bachan villages in Jalalabad tehsil, Fazilka district.
19-Mar-2024
Police on March 19 busted a weapon supply racket being operated from New Delhi and arrested five members, identified as Shivam, Karanbir Singh, Mohan Dev, Baljeet Singh Jeeta, and Akashdeep Singh and seized five pistols and seven bullets from their possession near Kaddon Chowk, close to Kaddon village in Ludhiana district of Punjab. The investigation revealed Mohan as the kingpin orchestrating the operation from Delhi. Additionally, Shivam and Karanbir were already facing trial in drug peddling cases, while Mohan Dev had a previous case of possessing illegal weapons against him.
18-Mar-2024
The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee on March 18 convened a meeting in Kaithal in Kaithal district of Haryana where it was decided that an 11-member panel led by Jagdish Singh Jhinda, former president of the Committee, would tour Sikh-majority districts to collect community feedback on involvement in the Lok Sabha elections. This decision was made to ensure comprehensive engagement with the Sikh community regarding their stance on electoral participation.
18-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 18 arrested five unidentified smugglers in a successful intelligence-led operation in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. The operation began with the seizure of heroin transported by drone, after which the BSF provided crucial information to the Gurdaspur police, leading to the initial arrest of two smugglers. Subsequent investigation efforts resulted in the apprehension of three more individuals, marking a significant blow to long-standing drug trafficking networks in Punjab.
18-Mar-2024
Amritsar (Rural) police on March 18 arrested two drug peddlers identified as Gurmukh Singh alias Bodhi, and Dilbagh Singh and seized 500 grams of heroin from their possession in Attari village in Amritsar district. The heroin had been dropped near a government school ground in Attari, prompting a response from the Punjab Police following a tip-off from village defense committee members regarding drone activity. The suspects were arrested when they attempted to retrieve the heroin. An investigation is underway to determine Dilbagh Singh's involvement in drug smuggling and potential links with Pakistan-based smugglers.
18-Mar-2024
On March 18, Sukhwinder Singh alias Rana Mansoorpuria, who shot and killed a Punjab Police constable during a raid on March 17 in Mansoorpur village, was fatally shot in an encounter with the Police near Purana Bhangala village in Hoshiarpur district in Punjab. An extensive search operation was launched after the constable's death, with Rana eventually located and surrounded by police teams, resulting in the fatal encounter when he refused to surrender.
18-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 18 recovered 3.306 kg of heroin, believed to have been dropped by a drone, from near the dargah of Bodal Saha Peer Baba adjacent to Mehdipur village in Tarn Taran district.
17-Mar-2024
On March 17, a man was allegedly prevented from filming a gathering organized by Sikh groups aimed at demanding the transfer of Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh, along with his nine associates who have been detained in Assam's Dibrugarh jail since March 2023, at Heritage Street in Amritsar district. The man, reportedly belonging to a national security agency, claimed that he was also attacked. Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar stated that they were investigating the incident.
17-Mar-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in a virtual briefing with senior police officers on March 17, assured readiness for free, fair, and peaceful elections following the Election Commission of India's (ECI) announcement of the general election schedule. Yadav emphasized strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and ECI guidelines and discussed planned special campaigns to arrest proclaimed offenders, execute non-bailable warrants, and curb illicit liquor and narcotics trade.
17-Mar-2024
On March 17, a senior constable of the Punjab Police's Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff, identified as Amritpal Singh, was shot dead by gangster Sukhwinder Rana during a raid at Mansoorpur village in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. The raid was conducted after receiving information about Rana's presence and illegal weapons. Police have deployed a large force to search for Rana, announcing a reward of INR 25,000 for information on his whereabouts.
17-Mar-2024
Police on March 17 arrested two youths, identified as Balwinder Singh Ballu and Ravitej Singh and seized one country-made pistol of .12 calibre and two live cartridges from their possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
17-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 17 recovered 600 grams of heroin that was dropped by a drone in fields near Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district.
16-Mar-2024
Dal Khalsa, on March 16, demanded that the Punjab government immediately bring Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim and Honeypreet to Punjab on police remand for interrogation. Paramjit Singh Mand, Dal Khalsa's working president, accused successive governments, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress, of protecting Ram Rahim.
16-Mar-2024
Punjab police on March 16 placed Panth Sewak personality Diljit Singh under house arrest. A team of six police officials visited him, informing him of the state government's decision. The circumstances surrounding Diljit Singh's confinement remain undisclosed.
16-Mar-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on March 16 arrested three operatives of Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara of the Lawrance Bishnoi gang, identified as Ajay Singh alias Ajaypal, Ankit, and Lakhwinder Singh alias Lucky and seized two .32 caliber pistols, 11 live cartridges, and a car from their possession in Zikapur, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The trio was allegedly tasked with conducting target killings for the Lawrance Bishnoi gang.
16-Mar-2024
An encounter occurred between police and four gangsters on March 16, with three gangsters sustaining gunshot wounds while one escaped, near the Panjgrain-Aulakh village road near Aulakh village in Faridkot district, Punjab. The gangsters, allegedly planning to kill a member of a rival gang in Kotkapura, opened fire on the police upon discovery. Sources revealed that the plot involved Sagar, incarcerated in Panipat jail in Haryana, who assigned the task to gangster Sukhjit Singh Situ in Faridkot jail in Punjab, who then delegated it to the four gangsters involved.
15-Mar-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on March 15 regarding a plea for furlough by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, who is serving life imprisonment in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in New Delhi. Khokhar had sought furlough to maintain social ties, and the matter is listed for further hearing in April 2024. The case involves the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi in 1984 following the assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi.
15-Mar-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on March 15 arrested two gangsters identified as Jagdeep Singh alias Rinku and Balwinder Singh alias Babbu and seized two pistols and ten live cartridges from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Both are associated with the Gurpreet Lehmbar and Jassa Nurwala gang, known for various serious crimes across Ludhiana, Jagraon, Moga, Bathinda, and Sangrur districts in Punjab.
15-Mar-2024
Kapurthala police on March 15 arrested three gangsters identified as Sukhwant Singh Sukha, Roshan Singh, and Ajay Kumar and seized 12 pistols and 48 cartridges from the trio near a checkpoint on the Phagwara bypass in Kapurthala district. Initially, 4 pistols were found during a search of their vehicle, and subsequent interrogation led to the discovery of 8 more pistols and cartridges hidden at various locations. The gang, led by Sukhwant Singh Sukha from Jalandhar, allegedly procured the firearms from Madhya Pradesh for criminal activities in Punjab. Further investigation revealed links to a local gang with plans to expand and strengthen its presence.