KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
28-Dec-2024
The Sadar police on December 28 arrested three individuals, including one identified as Kashori, while the other two remain unidentified, for selling "chitta" (heroin) in Shahbazpur village in Amritsar district. The arrests were made based on a complaint lodged with a video clipping on the state government's anti-drug portal under the "Safe Punjab" campaign.
28-Dec-2024
Ludhiana police on December 28 revealed that Kanwarpal Singh alias Mintu, arrested on December 26 with 5 kg of heroin, had sourced the drug from Pakistan. The consignment was delivered near the Wagah border via a Ludhiana-based intermediary, Sam, who remains at large. A subsequent search of Mintu's residence led to the recovery of an additional 4.755 kg of heroin. Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend Sam and trace the broader network involved.
28-Dec-2024
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police disclosed that on December 28, a local businessman, Malkeet Singh, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Kulveer Singh Sidhu, an operative of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and two associates for making extortion calls in Pilibhit. According to the FIR, Sidhu and his accomplices demanded INR 10 lakh from the complainant, threatening him with violence. Investigations revealed that Sidhu was allegedly involved in arranging a hotel room for the three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) militants killed in an encounter in Pilibhit on December 23.
28-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 28 recovered 534 grams of heroin from fields near Palpate village in Tarn Taran district.
27-Dec-2024
National farmer leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, on December 27, issued a statement calling for strict action against Khalistani supporters allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Grewal specifically mentioned individuals such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, and Gurdev Singh Jassal. He condemned Pannun, labeling him a "self-proclaimed leader" attempting to disrupt communal harmony in India, particularly after Pannun's video threat to disrupt the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Grewal emphasized that Pannun's divisive tactics would fail and urged India's youth to reject such narratives.
27-Dec-2024
Punjab Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on December 27 in Chandigarh, announced the establishment of a high-security jail near Ludhiana with an investment of INR 100 crore to accommodate 300 high-risk prisoners. He highlighted enhanced security measures, including AI-based surveillance systems and V-Kavach jammers, alongside the installation of over 750 inmate calling systems and comprehensive CCTV coverage in sensitive areas. Bhullar also noted that 2,200 inmates are pursuing education as part of rehabilitation initiatives, with ongoing recruitment drives and psychological support programs for both inmates and staff.
27-Dec-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on December 27, mourned the passing of former Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Manmohan Singh, describing it as a significant loss to the nation. Mann lauded Dr. Singh's pivotal role in reviving India’s economy during the 1990s. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and leaders Harjot Singh Bains and Kultar Singh Sandhwan also paid heartfelt tributes, praising Dr. Singh’s humility and his invaluable contributions to the country.
27-Dec-2024
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Arun Giri Maharaj, head of the Awahan Akhada, was injured in a road accident near Nawabganj, Uttar Pradesh (UP), approximately 25 km from Prayagraj, on December 27 while traveling to the Kumbh Mela. Hospitalized for treatment, the religious leader raised suspicions of a possible conspiracy, alleging that pro-Khalistan elements might have been involved due to his vocal opposition to Khalistani supporters in Punjab and his advocacy for Sanatan Dharma. Authorities are investigating the incident to ascertain the cause of the accident.
27-Dec-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on December 27, disclosed that a UK-based Haryana youth, identified as Siddhu, had contacted two individuals from Pilibhit, Sunny and Manoj, via the social media platform X on December 20 to arrange accommodation for three suspected militants. These militants, later killed in an encounter in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, were linked to the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) and its Pakistan-based leader, Ranjeet Singh Neeta. The suspects had been staying in Pilibhit with assistance from local contacts. Meanwhile, UK authorities denied any connection to British Army soldier Jagjeet Singh, whose name had also emerged during the investigation.
27-Dec-2024
On December 27, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) announced that former Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Manmohan Singh would be accorded a State funeral with full military honours at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi. The Congress party criticised the decision, arguing that the site was unsuitable for India’s first Sikh Prime Minister and called for a location where a permanent memorial could be established. In response, the government assured that a separate memorial site would be designated in the coming days to honour Dr. Singh's legacy.
27-Dec-2024
Police, on December 27, arrested one individual identified as Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakhi Kabutranwala, and seized 170 intoxicating pills from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
27-Dec-2024
Police on December 27 arrested one individual, identified as Bohad Singh and seized 5 grams of heroin, 300 sedative tablets, and INR 6,800 in cash from his possession, in Abohar in Fazilka district.
26-Dec-2024
Ferozepur Police on December 26 arrested three drug smugglers, identified as Parmjeet Singh alias Pamma, Manish alias Saleem and Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukhha, and seized 400 grams of heroin, three illegal country-made pistols, seven cartridges, and two motorcycles from their possession, in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
26-Dec-2024
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 26 confirmed the detention of two suspects who aided three alleged Khalistani terrorists in Pilibhit. The agencies disclosed that the suspects helped the terrorists with fake identities and facilitated their movement using local networks. Investigators are also tracking a bus operator who allegedly assisted the trio's travel from Punjab to Pilibhit via Delhi. Authorities are intensifying efforts to uncover a potential pro-Khalistan network in the Terai region, which has been identified as a safe haven for extremists.
26-Dec-2024
According to sources, Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala and Lawrence Bishnoi share similar criminal origins but have diverged significantly in their operations. Dala (27), based in Canada, allegedly runs his syndicate in collaboration with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), focusing on extortion, targeted killings, and arms smuggling. On the other hand, Bishnoi (31) has expanded his criminal empire from jail, forging alliances with local and international gangs. Both syndicates reportedly use social media to glorify their crimes, recruit new members, and establish ties with pro-Khalistan groups for weapons and funding. This pattern has drawn comparisons to the notorious underworld operations in Mumbai during the 1990s.
26-Dec-2024
Rakesh Singh, the Inspector-General (IG) of Bareilly Range, on December 26, stated that Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police is strengthening security along the Nepal border following the killing of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists in Pilibhit. Singh confirmed that investigations are ongoing and emphasized the implementation of enhanced security measures in border regions to prevent the infiltration of terror elements. He also assured that action would be taken against anyone found aiding the terrorists, signaling a firm stance in addressing security threats in the area.
26-Dec-2024
Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri on December 26 condemned the threats issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to disrupt Mahakumbh and dismissed Pannun’s threats as “delusional” in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh (UP). He emphasised that the Mela is a symbol of unity, where both communities come together and criticised Pannun for attempting to create division between the Sikh and Hindu communities. Puri further warned that Pannun would be “beaten and driven out” if he dared to enter the Mahakumbh, calling the threats baseless and irrelevant.
26-Dec-2024
Amarjeet Singh, the owner of Gill Enterprises, voiced concerns on December 26 about inadequate background verification processes after the arrest of his employee, Jatinder Singh alias Jyoti, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Jatinder, a crane operator at the Mankhurd Metro construction site, was apprehended for alleged links to the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Singh stated that Jatinder had been hired based on his purported experience with Metro projects in Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai and noted that there were no prior complaints regarding his behaviour.
26-Dec-2024
Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, emphasized in an interview with Hindustan Times that the majority of Punjabis are non-radical, with only a small number being influenced by Pakistan's divisive agenda. He affirmed that Punjab's law and order situation remains among the best in India, despite challenges posed by external threats. Yadav highlighted the Punjab Police's consistent efforts to dismantle terror modules, curb organized crime, and combat the drug problem. He acknowledged ongoing attempts by Pakistan to revive militancy and disrupt peace in the state but assured that the police force remains vigilant and dedicated to maintaining public safety.
26-Dec-2024
Punjab Police on December 26 arrested three associates of a gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, identified as Manjit Singh, Amandeep Singh and Davinderpal Singh, following a brief encounter, and seized a 9 mm pistol, five .32-bore pistols and eight rounds of ammunition from their possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
26-Dec-2024
Fazilka district police reported that in 2024, they registered 231 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arrested 348 individuals, and seized over 48 kilograms of heroin, 86 kilograms of opium, and other narcotics valued in crores. Authorities also attached assets worth INR 7.46 crore, recovered stolen weapons, and intensified efforts to counter smuggling from Pakistan and Rajasthan, underscoring the region’s role as a critical transit route.
25-Dec-2024
Chheharta police on December 25 arrested a drug peddler, Aniket Verma, and seized 192 grams of heroin, INR 10,150 in drug money, and a computer scale from his possession in Chheharta, Amritsar district.
25-Dec-2024
According to sources, following the killing of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists—Gurvinder Singh, Jasanpreet Singh, and Varinder Singh—in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh (UP), security agencies have intensified their search for local accomplices in the Terai region of UP.
25-Dec-2024
According to sources, Jatinder Singh alias Jyoti, arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Punjab terror conspiracy, had been living in Mumbai, Maharashtra, for four years and working as a crane operator at a metro construction site. Singh, an aide of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), is accused of supplying weapons to operatives linked to the group. Investigations have revealed that Singh was receiving cash payments from Khalistani sympathisers and maintaining contacts with known terrorists in Mumbai. Security agencies are probing his network and connections in Maharashtra, particularly in Navi Mumbai, where he had been hiding.
25-Dec-2024
Punjab has experienced a significant rise in militant activity since November 2024, marked by grenade and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks targeting police establishments. Investigations have uncovered a nexus between pro-Khalistan groups such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and criminal gangs, many of which operate from abroad. Key figures, including Harwinder Singh Rinda and Arshdeep Singh, have been implicated in orchestrating these attacks, underscoring connections with international operatives and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).