KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
01-Feb-2024
Punjab Police on February 1 arrested Harpreet Singh alias Happy Baba, and seized a .30 bore automatic pistol, along with a magazine and three cartridges, from his possession in Aladinpur village in Tarn Taran district. Happy Baba is one of the biggest weapon suppliers in Punjab and a close associate of one of the most-wanted gangsters, Harpreet Singh alias Happy Jatt. He confessed to being a major weapon supplier in Punjab, sourcing illicit weapons from Madhya Pradesh and selling over 100 such weapons in Tarn Taran and Amritsar since 2020-21.
31-Jan-2024
The police registered a case against Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, after he issued threats to kill the chief servant of Dera Harbhagat Jethuwal in Amritsar, Tejkaran Singh and his children who are residing in Canada. The threats were communicated through Instagram and phone calls.
31-Jan-2024
The United States (US) Embassy in New Delhi stated on January 31 that discussions between the US Congress and the Biden administration are ongoing, in light of reports that the delivery of 31 MQ-9A Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian drones to India has been stalled by the United States (US), pending a "meaningful investigation" into the alleged conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned Khalistani terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Pannun, labelled a terrorist by India, is portrayed by the US as a victim, leading to friction between the two nations. Additionally, the US has also delayed the sale of six Boeing P-8I aircraft to India due to concerns over alleged Indian government actions against Pannun.
31-Jan-2024
According to sources, Border Security Force (BSF) officers have written to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), suspecting that a recent drug bust at the India-Pakistan border in Punjab is linked to prisoners in Amritsar jail and Pakistani drug suppliers. They have identified two Pakistani nationals, Rana and his brother Saha, who recruited villagers in Tarn Taran to receive arms and drugs via drones from across the border. The BSF recovered 4.369 kg of heroin, 968 grams of ICE (methamphetamine), a pistol, four rounds of ammunition, and INR 70,140 during the operation. Investigations revealed links to Punjab residents managing deliveries in Delhi, with one having connections to individuals in Amritsar jail. The government is developing anti-drone technology to counter the increasing use of drones for smuggling along the border.
31-Jan-2024
According to sources, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) is planning to take three suspects with Khalistani links - Shankar Dussad alias Shankar Jajod, Ajit Kumar Sharma, and Pradeep Puniya - to Ayodhya to verify their movements before their arrest for conducting reconnaissance in the city ahead of the Shri Ram Janambhoomi temple consecration ceremony. Currently in police custody, the suspects are being interrogated about their intentions and connections with Khalistani terrorists. The investigation, spanning from Rajasthan to Punjab, suggests that the suspects had been planning the reconnaissance in Ayodhya for two years.
31-Jan-2024
State special operation cell on January 31 arrested a gangster identified as Iqbal Khan and seized a .32 bore pistol, along with two live cartridges, from his possession in Rupnagar in Rupnagar district. Khan, associated with the Parminder Pindri gang, along with his accomplices Kala Gujjar Makhan Gujjar and Shashi, were allegedly tasked with killing members of a rival gang operated by Dilpreet Singh Baba, known for multiple criminal activities.
30-Jan-2024
The contributions of the Village Defence Committees (VDCs), deployed in a 15 km rural area along the Amritsar border with Pakistan to assist the Border Security Force (BSF), the Punjab Police, and other security agencies in bolstering security efforts against infiltration and smuggling, were recognized during the Republic Day celebrations. A total of 272 villages in Ajnala, Lopoke, and Amritsar II subdivisions are equipped with VDCs. Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit advocated for VDCs during visits to border areas of six districts. These committees, consisting of various community representatives and security personnel, play a crucial role in providing information to combat illegal drug and arms networks. VDC members are given priority for arms licenses, and they receive support from village police officers through regular meetings and coordination with higher authorities. Additionally, a comprehensive list of criminals and their records has been compiled for enhanced border security measures.
30-Jan-2024
The Amritsar (Rural) police on January 30 conducted a search operation based on a tip-off and recovered 5 kg of heroin and a drone in Sarangra village in Amritsar district.
30-Jan-2024
Tension escalated on January 30 after 'Khalistan Zindabad' posters appeared in local markets, sparking anger among Hindu organizations in Batala in Gurdaspur district of Punjab. Police initiated investigations and identified two suspects captured on CCTV footage. Hindu groups also called for a 'bandh' (strike) on February 1, raising concerns about potential unrest in the region.
30-Jan-2024
Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered the notorious Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International's (BKI) novel tactic of exploiting India's Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS) by colluding with tour guides to funnel illegal funds for terrorist activities. Despite individual transaction limits, BKI can receive significant sums annually, highlighting the need for tightened regulations and enhanced oversight. This revelation underscores terrorists' adaptability, urging continuous vigilance and international collaboration to combat evolving financial tactics and choke off their funding.
30-Jan-2024
The police on January 30 busted a criminal network by arresting five individuals, including a ‘big fish’ identified as Manjit Singh alias Manna, Lovejit Singh alias Luv, Harmanjit Singh alias Harman, Manpreet Singh, and Kes Kaur alias Kanso and seized 3 kg of heroin, INR 5.25 lakh in drug money, and three cars from their possession in Hargobind Pura in Chheharta in Amritsar district. Harmanjit was arrested on January 20, and the police seized 2 kg of heroin, an electronic scale, and INR 1.25 lakh in drug money from his possession. Based on his revelations, they subsequently arrested Manjit on January 22, along with Manjit’s brother Lovejit and his accomplice Manpreet. They seized 1 kg of heroin, an SUV, INR 4 lakh in drug money, and a motorcycle from their possession. Later, the police arrested their aide Kes Kaur and seized one car from his possession. He was wanted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Special Cell of the Delhi Police in 260 kg heroin and 356 kg of heroin seizures. They had multiple cases against them, obtained fake passports, and were involved in hawala operations. Investigations are ongoing into their network, and various criminal charges are registered against them.
30-Jan-2024
Police on January 30 busted an international drug trafficking gang and arrested four persons identified as Bikkar Singh, Tara Chand Parik, Simarjeet Singh alias Simar, and Harminder Singh alias Gullu and seized drug money amounting to INR 1.78 crore from their possession in Bathinda district. The gang operated by ordering heroin from Pakistan via drones and then using hawala channels to transfer proceeds abroad to Kendraveer Singh alias Sunny Dayal, who resides overseas. Additional arrests are expected, including Kendraveer Singh, currently residing in the United States (US).
30-Jan-2024
32-year-old Jagmeet Singh reportedly died of a drug overdose in Ghall Khurd village in Ferozepur district, on January 30.
30-Jan-2024
The Amritsar (Rural) police on January 30 conducted a search operation based on a tip-off and recovered 5 kg of heroin and a drone from Sarangra village in Amritsar district.
30-Jan-2024
On January 30, two gangsters, one of whom was identified as Prabhjot Singh, evaded capture by opening fire on the Counter Intelligence (CI) team of Amritsar Police in Ghariala village, Tarn Taran district. Suspected of carrying drugs and arms, they escaped into the fields near the International Border amid dense fog after exchanging gunfire with the police.
30-Jan-2024
Delhi Police on the intervening night of January 30 and 31 arrested a man identified as Jasvinder alias Lucky and seized a car, mobile phones, and spray paint cans from his possession in connection with writing pro-Khalistan slogans on a park wall in Vishnu Garden in West Delhi district. He was identified through CCTV footage, and he confessed to the act, claiming he was promised INR 15,000 by a former neighbour living in the US but wasn't paid.
29-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on the night of January 29, intercepted and, on the morning of January 30, recovered a Pakistani drone in a damaged condition from a farming field near Mari Kamboke village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a Quadcopter made in China.
29-Jan-2024
On January 29, a youth identified as Satinderpal Singh reportedly died of a drug overdose in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
29-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 29 busted a drug smuggling module, arresting four unidentified Indian smugglers along with 4.369 kg of heroin, 968 grams of ICE (methamphetamine), a pistol, four rounds of ammunition, a scooter, and INR 70,140 near the International Border (IB) in the Amritsar sector of Amritsar district. The arrests occurred as the individuals attempted to retrieve a packet dropped by a Pakistani drone. Subsequent surveillance of drone activities revealed a video call between Pakistani smuggler Rana, his brother, and Indian smuggler Saha. Saha is involved in recruiting villagers in Tarn Taran to receive arms and drugs via drones from across the border.
29-Jan-2024
On January 29, following the incident on January 28, where tensions flared at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Deep Singh over the removal of the portrait of Sikh militant-preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Sikh bodies led by Harpal Singh Bler of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD-Amritsar) reinstated the portrait at the entrance of Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Deep Singh in Pahuwind village in Tarn Taran district. Despite injuries sustained in the clash, the dispute was reportedly settled through a compromise. However, Bler insisted on an apology from the committee president for the removal of the portrait.
29-Jan-2024
Sikh Sadbhawna Dal's senior general secretary, Iqbal Singh Manawa, has announced that the outfit will conduct an 'Insaf March' on January 30, starting from Kaunke village and culminating at Gurdwara Mehdiana in Ludhiana district, to seek justice for the family of former Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, who was allegedly killed in a fake encounter 31 years ago. Baldev Singh Wadala, the outfit's chief, will lead the activists during the 15-km march, where participants will recite Gurbani. The organization plans to launch a structured campaign demanding accountability from the police personnel accused of torturing and ultimately killing Kaunke while in custody after his arrest on December 25, 1992.
29-Jan-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) seized the property of Gurjant Singh, a key accused in a 2019 bomb blast case in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, as part of its efforts to dismantle the terror network in the region, following an order from the Special NIA Court in Mohali. The case originated from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Tarn Taran Police, involving a terrorist gang led by Bikramjit Singh Panjwar that targeted Dera Muradpur. Gurjant Singh, a member of the gang, was present during the retrieval of explosives, which prematurely exploded.
29-Jan-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 29 declared that the pursuit of justice against drug-related crimes is a crucial aspect of social justice, emphasizing the severe impact of drug trafficking on society. In a case involving a woman accused of drug trafficking, the Bench highlighted the widespread harm caused by narcotics, likening it to inflicting death blows on numerous innocent victims.
29-Jan-2024
According to police sources, a member of Lawrence Bishnoi's gang identified as Rajan was shot dead and set on fire after the shootout and his body was found in Yamunanagar district in Haryana. Suspected operatives linked to the Bambiha gang orchestrated the killing on orders from gangster Arshdeep alias Arsh Dalla, who is presently in Canada and wanted by Indian authorities. Gang rivalry surfaced on social media, with Lucky Patial of the Bambiha gang claiming responsibility for Rajan's murder, citing revenge for past killings, including that of Singer Sidhu Moose Wala. The murder is seen as retaliation for the killing of Sukhdool Singh, an associate of Arsh Dalla, in Canada, indicating escalating gang tensions.
28-Jan-2024
Tension erupted on January 28 after a clash ensued when the President of the Gurudwara Management Committee, Col Harsimran Singh (retd), asked volunteers to remove the poster of Sikh militant-preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from the premises of the Gurudwara Janam Asthan Baba Deep Singh in Pahuwind village in Tarn Taran district. Police escorted Col Harsimran Singh to safety amidst the chaos, with both sides sustaining injuries, while discussions are underway to resolve the dispute.