KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-Feb-2025
After the conviction of former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, survivors expressed deep relief, calling it a long-overdue moment of justice. Kulpreet Vesuna recalled how his house in Janakpuri was burned down and became a site of killings. Harmeet Pal Singh shared how his mother disguised him as a girl to protect him from the mob. Jaspal Singh, a 92-year-old survivor, described the widespread destruction in Kalkaji and demanded life imprisonment for Kumar. Babu Singh Dukhiya, who was 29 during the riots, called it the biggest massacre since independence and thanked the judiciary for finally delivering justice.
12-Feb-2025
A Delhi court on February 12 convicted former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar for the murder of two Sikh men during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Saraswati Vihar, New Delhi. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) alleged that Kumar led the mob responsible for the killings. Arguments on sentencing are scheduled for February 18. Kumar is already serving a life sentence for his role in the killing of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar during the riots. While he was acquitted in a separate case in 2023, other legal proceedings against him remain pending in various courts.
12-Feb-2025
Former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar’s conviction for the murders of Jaswant Singh and his son on November 1, 1984, is the second secured by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 2015 to reinvestigate anti-Sikh riot cases. The first was the 2018 conviction of Yashpal Malik for killing two Sikhs in Mahipalpur, Delhi, where he was sentenced to death. Atma Singh Lubana, who has supported riot victims, called Kumar’s conviction a major milestone and expressed hope for justice in the remaining seven cases under trial. Kumar is already serving a life sentence for his role in the 1984 riots.
12-Feb-2025
The Muktsar district police on February 12 arrested two persons, identified as Maninder Singh and Akashdeep Singh, and seized a vehicle transporting 27 quintals of poppy husk from Jharkhand, near Aulakh village in Malout, Sri Muktsar Sahib district. The accused had affixed an “On Army Duty” sticker on the vehicle to evade police checks and falsely claimed to be transporting ration for the Army. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the kingpin who was to receive the consignment.
12-Feb-2025
On February 12, police discovered that unidentified Khalistan supporters had reportedly hoisted a flag and inscribed a slogan on a government building in Satauj village, Sangrur district, Punjab, the native place of Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann. Police stated that a purported video of the incident had been received and was being verified. They added that all angles were under investigation, and necessary legal action would be taken following the probe.
12-Feb-2025
According to reports, the Punjab government’s anti-drug program allegedly violated privacy laws by directing the health department to share personal details of drug addicts registered in OOAT clinics without their consent. Deputy commissioners had begun collecting this data to contact families for prevention efforts, potentially breaching Section 23 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Following concerns, the Punjab Health Department halted the process, assuring that no data had been shared. Experts warned that such disclosures could cause psychological distress and deter individuals from seeking treatment.
11-Feb-2025
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on February 11 arrested a man and a woman, identified as Bulla and his wife, Harpreet Kaur alias Preety, and seized 310 grams of heroin from their possession at a naka (checkpoint) on the Jandiala-Phagwara road near Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. The police are investigating their supply chain and possible links to other drug smuggling cases.
11-Feb-2025
The Pathankot Police on February 11 arrested a "top smuggler," Jatinder Kumar alias Kali, from Jainpur village in Pathankot, Gurdaspur district. Police revealed that Kumar was involved in supplying pure-grade heroin to villages near the International Border (IB) and other states using drones from Pakistan. Preliminary investigations indicated that he had received multiple heroin consignments.
11-Feb-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) inquiry report listed multiple allegations against Giani Harpreet Singh, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. He refused to present his defense before the committee, which accused him of religious violations, including interrupting kirtan (hymn singing) to justify his actions and attending political events. His presence at the weddings of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Raghav Chadha and former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Charanjit Singh Channi’s son drew criticism. Despite some internal dissent, the SGPC executive committee formalized his removal.
11-Feb-2025
According to sources, India’s security agencies have compiled a list of 12 gangsters based in the United States (US) following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). The list, which may be shared with US authorities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, includes Anmol Bishnoi, Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar, Darmanjot Singh Kahlon alias Darman Kahlon, Amritpal Singh alias Amrit Bal, Harjot Singh, Harbir Singh, Navroop Singh, Swaran Singh alias Fauji, Sahil Kailash Ritoli, Yogesh alias Bobby Beri, Ashu alias Bhanu Pratap Sambhli, and Aman Sambhi. These individuals are involved in arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and terror-related activities, with links to Pakistan-based operatives. Indian agencies seek improved coordination with US counterparts, aiming for their eventual deportation.
11-Feb-2025
The Punjab and Haryana High Court, on February 11 in Chandigarh, declared drug peddlers a grave threat to society and ruled out leniency in such cases while denying anticipatory bail to an accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Emphasizing that narcotics smuggling is not just a law enforcement issue but a major socio-economic crisis, the court highlighted India’s porous borders, particularly the Attari-Wagah corridor, and underscored the need for strict enforcement. It also reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking.
11-Feb-2025
According to sources, gangsters and criminals have a higher success rate on the ‘donkey route’ to the United States (US) due to their extensive networks and financial resources. Figures like Sunil Yadav, Anmol Bishnoi, and Deepak Pahal exploit weaknesses in international border controls, using forged passports and corrupt contacts to evade security checks. Unlike ordinary migrants, traffickers avoid deceiving gangsters, fearing retaliation from their criminal networks. Investigators highlight that these criminals leverage human smuggling networks and fake identities, making it difficult for authorities to track and intercept them.
11-Feb-2025
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, on February 11 in Amritsar, welcomed the conviction of former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, stating that the verdict would help heal Sikh sentiments. He urged the government to fast-track all pending cases and called for a parliamentary resolution of condolence and apology.
11-Feb-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Amritsar, arrested two unidentified smugglers and seized 1.1 kg of heroin at a naka (checkpoint) near Chota Fatehwal village in Ajnala, Amritsar district, on February 11. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling along the international border.
11-Feb-2025
Police on February 11 arrested two members of gangster Arsh Dala's gang, identified as Sahil and Gurkirat Singh, and seized five country-made .32 bore pistols, five live rounds, an Activa scooter, and two mobile phones, in Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib district. A third accused, Tejbir Singh, was brought on a production warrant from Patiala Jail for further interrogation. Police stated that Gurkirat Singh had recently returned from Malaysia and, along with Sahil, was working for Arsh Dala through Tejbir Singh. The investigation is ongoing to trace the supply chain of illicit weapons and the intended targets.
10-Feb-2025
On February 10, an encounter took place between the police and gangster Jassi Puncture near Ubha village in Mansa district, resulting in his injury. The clash occurred when the police took Jassi to recover weapons linked to the recent shooting outside the house of Sidhu Moose Wala’s associate, Pargat Singh. During the operation, Jassi opened fire, prompting police retaliation. He sustained injuries in the exchange of gunfire and was subsequently admitted to a hospital.
10-Feb-2025
Seven rocket shells were found abandoned near a garbage dump along the Patiala-Rajpura road in Patiala district on February 10. According to the police, local residents discovered the shells in a bag, and they contained no explosive material. A probe has been initiated, with suspicions that a scrap dealer may have left them there. A bomb disposal squad and anti-sabotage teams inspected the site, while the police confirmed that Army authorities would be consulted for further analysis.
10-Feb-2025
On February 10, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will hold its executive body meeting at its headquarters in Amritsar, chaired by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. The agenda includes Sikh Panthic and administrative issues, along with discussions on the inquiry against suspended Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh. The meeting follows the SGPC’s approval of a INR 1,260.97-crore budget for 2024-25.
10-Feb-2025
The Supreme Court (SC) on February 10 questioned the Delhi Police over its failure to appeal against acquittals in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, emphasizing that prosecution must be serious and not a mere formality. A Bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka criticized the absence of senior lawyers in previous cases and noted concerns raised by victims’ counsel, H.S. Phoolka, regarding cover-ups. The Delhi Police, in its status report, stated that out of 650 cases, charge sheets were filed in 362, leading to only 39 convictions. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 17.
10-Feb-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee on February 10 officially terminated the services of Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib in Amritsar district. The decision, led by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, followed an investigation into allegations against him. Giani Jagtar Singh was appointed as acting Jathedar. Giani Harpreet Singh claimed his removal was politically motivated and stated he would continue working for the Sikh community.
10-Feb-2025
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka on February 10 in Amritsar condemned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) executive committee’s decision to remove Giani Harpreet Singh as the Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib, calling it a "black day" in Sikh history. Various Sikh leaders, including Kiranjot Kaur and Jaswinder Singh, criticised the move as political vendetta. Socio-religious organisation Misl Satluj alleged it was a calculated attempt to suppress dissent within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Former DSGMC president Paramjit Singh Sarna, however, defended the SGPC’s action, citing Sikh traditions.
10-Feb-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Sandeep Pathak on February 10 gave a Zero Hour notice in Parliament to discuss the rising drone activities on the India-Pakistan border, highlighting the illegal supply of weapons and drugs into Punjab. He stated that security forces seized 107 drones in 2023 and nearly 200 by November 2024, urging the deployment of advanced counter-drone technologies. Pathak also called for exposing Pakistan's conspiracy to push Indian youth into drug addiction at the international level.
10-Feb-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on February 10 recovered 35 grams of heroin and a Glock pistol with two magazines from fields near Kamlewala village in Ferozepur district. The items were wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, with a steel ring attached to the pistol, suggesting they were likely dropped by a drone.
10-Feb-2025
According to sources, despite the deportation of a United States (US)-based resident from Tahli village in Hoshiarpur district, aspirations of migrating abroad remain strong. While the deportee returned in handcuffs, a neighbour simultaneously celebrated his son's Green Card approval. Tahli village, with a population of around 1,600, has 300 to 400 residents already settled abroad. Similarly, in Bhadas village in Kapurthala district, where over 800 people have migrated, deportations have raised concerns. Village representatives acknowledge the risks of illegal immigration, but the lure of foreign opportunities continues to drive migration.
09-Feb-2025
On February 9, in a stronger-than-expected performance, five out of 11 Sikh candidates contesting the Delhi Assembly elections emerged victorious. In 2020, only two Sikh candidates had won, both from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded three Sikh candidates—Manjinder Singh Sirsa (Rajouri Garden), Arvinder Singh Lovely (Gandhi Nagar), and Tarvinder Singh Marwah (Jangpura)—all of whom secured victories. AAP fielded four Sikh candidates, with Jarnail Singh (Tilak Nagar) and Punardeep Singh Sawhney (Chandni Chowk) winning. Congress fielded four Sikh candidates, but none were successful. Despite comprising only 5% of Delhi’s population, Sikh voters hold significant political influence, particularly in constituencies like Rajouri Garden and Tilak Nagar.