KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
29-Dec-2024
Police on December 29 arrested two associates of gangster Prabh Dasuwal, identified as Rajdeep Singh alias Raja and Kajal, for allegedly demanding an INR 30 lakh ransom from goldsmith Lovepreet Singh on behalf of Dasuwal in Amritsar.
29-Dec-2024
Punjab Police, on December 29, arrested two individuals, Anmol Preet and Navjot Singh, in connection with the murder of Jaswant Singh Gill, a murder convict on parole, who was shot dead during an evening walk in Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh (MP), on November 7, in Gwalior in MP. The police revealed that the primary suspect, Satyapal, is currently residing in Canada. The suspects are linked to Canadian gangster Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala. Both individuals are under interrogation by Punjab Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to explore further connections and the broader network behind the crime.
29-Dec-2024
According to official sources, the use of drones for trafficking heroin, arms, and ammunition remains a significant challenge for the Border Security Force (BSF) and other intelligence agencies in 2024. The BSF intercepted 286 drones along the 553-km India-Pakistan border in Punjab, with 164 seizures made in Amritsar and 75 in Tarn Taran. The contraband smuggled included 280 kg of heroin, 36 pistols, and explosives intended for attacks on police establishments. Despite the implementation of counter-drone measures, many drones manage to return undetected after delivering their consignments, suggesting involvement from Pakistan-based agencies.
28-Dec-2024
According to Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police, the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) facilitated the stay of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) operatives killed in a crossfire in Pilibhit, UP. Acting under the directives of wanted BKI operative Kulbeer Singh, the trio was linked to grenade attacks in Punjab. They reportedly used fake Aadhaar identities for their stay, arranged by a local accomplice, Jaspal Singh alias Sunny, who has been arrested. Investigations are underway to trace their movements, identify the source of their weapons, and ascertain the motive behind their presence in the region.
28-Dec-2024
Punjab police on December 28 arrested two members of a narco-terror module being operated by foreign-based handlers who had also lobbed a hand-grenade at the Islamabad area police station in Amritsar on December 17, identified as Gurjeet Singh and Baljit Singh, and seized 1.4 kg heroin, one hand grenade and two sophisticated pistols - one 9 mm Zigana and one 9 mm Glock pistol along with ammunition from their possession, in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The module was run by United States (US) based Sandeep Singh alias Seepu and Pakistan-based operatives. Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Jeevan Fauji, based abroad, had claimed responsibility for the attack on social media.
28-Dec-2024
Police on December 28 arrested two unidentified Nihang Sikhs for allegedly attacking an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), near Gurdwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The ASI, Harminder Singh, reported that the accused, while assaulting a boy with kirpans and sticks, turned on him when he intervened to save the boy.
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.