KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
25-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 25 recovered a drone from a field near India Pakistan International Border (IB) near Dal village in Tarn Taran district.
25-Jan-2024
Delhi Police’s Crime Branch, on January 25, arrested eight persons belonging to the infamous Gogi Gang, identified as Deepak Pahal alias Boxer, Narender Yadav, Manish alias Sunny Kakran, Manmohan alias Gaurav, Navprabhat Chaudhary, Devraj Dabas, Azad alias Pahalwan and Khushboo alias Golu; and seized a gun, two cartridges, a sim card of Dubai, and a mobile phone, after conducting a series of raids at multiple states. The gang was running an extortion racket in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its peripherals. The police also apprehended two juveniles working for the gang, in Sonipat in Haryana.
24-Jan-2024
On the intervening night of January 24-25, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted a drone and, on the following morning of January 25, recovered a packet containing 531 grams of heroin from a farming field adjacent to Thatharke village in Gurdaspur district.
24-Jan-2024
The police, on January 24, investigated a bomb threat directed at the Durgiana Temple in the Amritsar district after threats were issued by a Khalistani terrorist via the temple's landline phone by a caller who identified himself as Harneet. The threat prompted immediate police action, and an investigation is underway to address the situation.
24-Jan-2024
The Special Cell of Delhi Police on January 24 arrested a sharpshooter from the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, identified as Shivam alias Nitesh alias Bhoomi, near Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar in North Delhi district. During the arrest, Shivam attempted to fire at the police. He had been planning to form his own gang for cash robberies in Delhi-NCR, procuring firearms in the process. Shivam had previously been involved in a gang war and various criminal activities, including robbery and extortion.
24-Jan-2024
On January 24, the Kapurthala Police announced that Ramandeep Mangumath, a Nihang Sikh arrested for killing Vishal Kapoor at Gurdwara Chhevi Patshahi in Phagwara in Kapurthala district, Punjab, now faces murder charges. Investigations revealed no indication of self-defence. Police suspect that Mangumath and his accomplices, who have no religious background, are imposters receiving foreign funding. This has prompted further investigation into their finances. His police remand has been extended until January 31.
24-Jan-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 24 seized a vehicle (PB 29 R 8889) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with a case involving the seizure of explosives and arms from individuals linked to the Pakistan-based 'listed terrorist' Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. The case originated from the recovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one pistol with two magazines, and INR 1.30 lakhs in cash at Bastara Toll Plaza in Madhuban, Haryana, in May 2022. The items were seized from four suspects identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, Amandeep Singh alias Deepa, Parminder Singh alias Pinder and Bhupinder Singh. These accused individuals, associated with the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), had received multiple arms and explosives consignments from Sandhu in Pakistan through drones near the Indo-Pak border.
24-Jan-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is set to organize a seminar titled 'Challenges Facing Punjab and Their Resolution' on January 27 at Khalsa College in Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. The event will be attended by party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, senior leadership, and prominent intellectuals. The seminar aims to address the unmet demands of Punjab, discussing issues such as river waters, the denial of a capital city, and the weakening federal structure. Intellectuals and journalists, including Prof Ranjit Singh Ghuman and Satnam Manak, will provide insights, while Sukhbir Singh Badal will deliver the keynote address. The focus is on devising solutions for issues like misgovernance, law and order, unemployment, and economic challenges in the state.
24-Jan-2024
Maninderjit Singh Bitta, chairman of the All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) and former chief of the Indian Youth Congress, urged the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on January 24 to reopen the 1993 bomb blast case involving terror convict Davinder Pal Singh Bhullar. The Delhi Government's Sentence Review Board recently denied Bhullar's plea for early release. Bitta believes the NIA should investigate the case to expose any potential involvement of police officers and politicians with Bhullar. He cites suspicious circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of Bhullar's security before the 1993 blast.
24-Jan-2024
A special court in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is set to deliver a verdict on January 24 on the police remand of gangster Shankar Lal Dusad and his associates, Ajit Kumar Sharma and Pradeep Punia, who were arrested in Ayodhya based on the UP ATS's application. The arrest was made on January 18, with alleged connections to the banned Khalistani terror organization Sikh For Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The ATS aims to gather information about associates and Pannun's influence in UP, investigating mobile data and audio messages related to the case.
23-Jan-2024
According to sources, the Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has rejected the early release plea of 1993 Delhi blasts convict Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. In response, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized the Punjab government led by AAP and Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal, stating that the denial added to the distress of the Sikh community.
23-Jan-2024
The Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, on January 23 criticized the Delhi government for the seventh rejection of the release application of Sikh activist Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. Singh stated that the repeated rejections by the 'Sentence Review Board' indicate a discriminatory attitude towards Sikhs, causing alienation. He emphasized that such behaviour undermines democracy, as politicians who once advocated justice for Sikhs now perpetuate injustice, potentially fuelling separatist sentiments among Sikhs.
23-Jan-2024
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terrorist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), threatened to kill Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav on January 26, Republic Day, prompting the police to review security at the Republic Day function venue, Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana district. The police are monitoring individuals with criminal records or Khalistani ideology and may detain them ahead of Republic Day.
23-Jan-2024
In light of the death threats issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Police have intensified security measures across the state, including Patiala, where Governor Banwarilal Purohit will lead the state-level Republic Day event on January 26 and unfurl the National Flag. The deployed police force consists of around 20,000 personnel for Republic Day celebrations across the state.
23-Jan-2024
Sukhchain Gill, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Punjab, on January 23 announced that drug addicts are utilizing Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with 282 individuals undergoing treatment and rehabilitation within 20 days of its enforcement. The state's three-pronged strategy focuses on enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation to combat drug abuse. Gill also stated that in the past week, the police arrested 141 drug smugglers and recovered 19.4 kg of heroin, 8.3 kg of opium, 25.23 quintals of poppy husk, 4,201 tablets, injections, and vials of pharma opioids, along with INR 1.40 lakh in cash from them.
23-Jan-2024
Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Punjab Police on January 23 arrested two drug smugglers identified as Gurpreet Singh and Aakashdeep Singh and seized 1.5 kg of heroin from their possession, in Maste ke village in Ferozepur district.
23-Jan-2024
The police on January 23 arrested a drug smuggler identified as Novpreet Singh and seized 1.3 kg of heroin, an Australia-made Glock pistol, a country-made pistol with 20 cartridges, INR 1.07 lakh in drug money, and a Thar vehicle (PB-10 BW-6363) from his possession, at the national highway near Bath crossing, close to Bath village in Tarn Taran district.
23-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 23 recovered a drone near the International Border (IB), on the outskirts of Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a Quadcopter made in China (Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic).
23-Jan-2024
Punjab Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters, Dr. Sukhchain Singh Gill, stated on January 23, while addressing the audience at Punjab Police headquarters in Chandigarh, that in the past week, they have successfully arrested 141 drug smugglers, including 31 major players. This has resulted in the recovery of 19.4 kg of heroin, 8.3 kg of opium, 25.23 quintals of poppy husk, and 4,201 tablets/capsules. Additionally, Dr. Gill highlighted that the total arrests in the ongoing drive against Proclaimed Offenders (POs)/Absconders have reached 1,260 since July 5, 2022. Notably, the disposal of confiscated items under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act includes 523 kg of heroin, 79.92 quintals of poppy husk, 298 kg of ganja, and 17.57 lakh narcotic pills/capsules through burning. Punjab Police has successfully forfeited properties worth INR 111 crores, with 9 more proposals pending. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has played a crucial role in busting 312 criminal modules, leading to the arrest of 951 individuals and the neutralization of 10. This effort has also resulted in the seizure of 963 weapons and 208 vehicles used in criminal activities.
23-Jan-2024
Punjab Police, on January 23, booked the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on charges of promoting religious enmity at the Sultanwind police station in Amritsar district. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on a social media video in which Pannun claimed that the Shri Durgiana Mandir had no historical significance in Hinduism. He also warned the temple management to hand over the keys to the Golden Temple. Pannun made these remarks while Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi consecrated the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya. Pannun faces charges under sections 153A, 153B, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act.
22-Jan-2024
Police on January 22 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Gurmej Singh alias Bittu, and Gurpreet Singh alias Gora and seized 600 gm of heroin from their possession, in Jalalabad in Fazilka district.
22-Jan-2024
Police on January 22 arrested a person identified as Jagdish Parsad and seized 400 gm of opium from his possession in Fazilka in Fazilka district.
22-Jan-2024
Police on January 22 arrested two persons identified as Aman and Rahul and seized 20 gm of heroin from their possession, in Arya Nagar in Fazilka in Fazilka district.
22-Jan-2024
A Pakistani national, who inadvertently crossed into India on January 22 near Kakkar village in Amritsar district, Punjab, was handed over to Pakistan Rangers by the Border Security Force (BSF) on January 23. The individual had nothing objectionable in possession, and the incident was determined to be an unintentional border crossing.
22-Jan-2024
Khalistan terrorist and the chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on January 22 issued a threat via a video to target Hindu temples in India following the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Pannun vowed to damage the Durgana pilgrimage site in Amritsar, Punjab, and target Haridwar and Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP) after the so-called Khalistan referendum, which is set to take place on January 26.