KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
06-Jan-2024
Police on January 6 registered a First Information Report (FIR) against gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, the main accused in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case, for allegedly breaking an LED TV at Kapurthala Central Jail after a verbal spat with a fellow inmate on December 29 in Kapurthala district.
06-Jan-2024
A team of four senior officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to visit the United States (US) to meet with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials, to discuss various cases, including the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana, in the US. The visit follows discussions between FBI Director Christopher A. Wray and NIA Director Dinkar Gupta during Wray's December 2023 visit to India. The discussions will cover issues such as Tahawwur Rana's involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, activities of terrorist-organized criminal networks, and investigations into the San Francisco consulate attack.
06-Jan-2024
Two suspected terrorist’s aides, Sharanpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh, linked to Canada-based gangster Happy Pashian, who were arrested on January 4 in Mohali for their involvement in cross-border weapon smuggling and drug distribution revealed that they were working with Pakistan-based Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, and received weapons and drugs via drones from Pakistan. Their arrest revealed a significant connection between criminal activities in India and Pakistan-based elements, underscoring the transnational nature of the illicit operations.
06-Jan-2024
The State Crime Branch Police station on January 6 filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) in accordance with the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, against Lawrence Bishnoi and unidentified gang members, accusing them of alleged extortion, withholding information, and destroying evidence related to two interviews telecast by a TV channel. The interviews were reportedly conducted in Bathinda jail. Notably, the FIRs do not include the journalist's name, although the TV channel is mentioned.
05-Jan-2024
On January 5, a ceremony with Sri Akhand Path Sahib bhog took place on the death anniversary of Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh at Gurdwara Jhanda Bunga Sahib within the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar in Punjab.
05-Jan-2024
Crystal meth, commonly known as ICE or methamphetamine, is reportedly entering the drug market in Punjab, as revealed during the interrogation of Simranjit Singh, alias Simar Maan, the prime suspect in the recent 2 kg ICE seizure that occurred on January 4. The drug was smuggled from Pakistan through a drone. Singh has allegedly been involved in the illegal drug trade for several months. Although details about the intended recipients were not disclosed, it is suggested that the seized drug was meant for distribution in metro cities, both within and outside Punjab. It has gained particular popularity among addicts in the Doaba region. Singh was produced in court and has been sent to three-day police remand.
05-Jan-2024
A special court designated under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Mumbai, on January 5, rejected the discharge petition of Mohiuddin Siddiqui, a former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) operative accused of aiding in reviving Sikh militancy for a separate 'Khalistan' state in Punjab. Siddiqui allegedly provided ammunition and international SIM cards to convicted individuals. The court cited evidence from mobile phones and noted the conviction of others as sufficient grounds to proceed. Siddiqui claimed a conspiracy against him by corrupt superiors, emphasizing the lack of specific terrorist activity and challenging the reliability of witness statements and evidence collected by the NIA.
05-Jan-2024
The Mohali district administration on January 5 introduced a WhatsApp number, 80541-00112, for residents to report drug traffickers and victims, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The number is under the direct supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohali Viraj Shyamkaran Tidke.
04-Jan-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 4 filed a charge sheet against Manpreet Singh alias Peeta, a close associate of the Canada-based designated gangster-turned-terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, before a special NIA court in New Delhi. Peeta played a significant role in weapons collection, extortion calls, and recruitment for the terror outfit Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), raising funds for Arsh Dalla. Arrested last year after deportation from the Philippines, Peeta's charge sheet represents a major step in the NIA's efforts to dismantle the terror-gangster nexus spanning multiple Indian states and other countries.
04-Jan-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on January 4 rejected a petition seeking consular access for Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who is detained in a Czech Republic prison over an alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States (US). The court cited the Vienna Convention, stating that Gupta has already received consular access. The bench emphasized the importance of respecting the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the foreign court, and it denied the petitioner's requests for intervention by the Indian government in extradition proceedings and cooperation in legal proceedings in the Czech Republic.
04-Jan-2024
According to Punjab Police sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested comprehensive information from the Punjab Police regarding gangsters and individuals involved in terrorist activities currently residing in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US). This move comes amid growing diplomatic tension between India and Canada following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The NIA aims to gather details on individuals who have fled abroad using fake passports in recent years. Additionally, it is compiling a list of associates and accomplices involved in facilitating their escape.
04-Jan-2024
The Union Ministry of Communications on January 4 issued a warning about fake calls from international numbers advising people to sell their shares before March 12, 2024, claiming an impending destruction of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). The calls are considered malicious and aimed at causing panic. The government urges people to ignore such messages and report them to telecom service providers or the National Cyber Crime Portal. This advisory follows threats from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to target BSE and NSE for 'economic destruction,' leading to calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures at the stock exchanges.
04-Jan-2024
Punjab Police on January 4 busted a cross-border drug module being operated from Pakistan, by arresting a drug peddler identified as Simranjit Singh alias Simar Maan, and seized 2 kg of ICE (methamphetamine), a .30-bore China-made pistol and five bullets from his possession, in Chheharta area in Amritsar district. The suspect was in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers who allegedly supplied drugs and weapons using drones.
04-Jan-2024
Police on January 4 arrested four drug smugglers identified as Gurpreet Singh, Harmohan Singh, Jagjeet Singh and Jarnail Singh, and seized 63 kg of opium from their possession, at a special check post near Goraya in Jalandhar district. One of the accused, Jagjit, was convicted for 10 years in a poppy husk smuggling case and was out on parole
04-Jan-2024
Police on January 4 arrested an individual identified as Gourav, and seized 20 grams of ICE (methamphetamine) from his possession, near Jharamari Barrier in Derabassi in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
04-Jan-2024
A team of Range Anti-Narcotics-cum-Special Operation Cell on January 4 arrested an individual identified as Jatinder Singh and seized 50 grams of heroin from his possession at Phase-7 in in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
04-Jan-2024
The sarpanch of Dadiyana village, identified as Sandeep Singh, was shot dead on January 4 by three armed men on a motorcycle around 10 am in Dadiyana village in Hoshiarpur district. The assailants, known to the deceased, approached him, shook hands, and then shot him at close range.
04-Jan-2024
Punjab Police on January 4 arrested two Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives, who were being handled from abroad, after a brief encounter and seized 4 pistols and 10 live cartridges from their possession inside Bal Gopal Gaushala in Balongi village in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. One of the operatives, identified as Sharanjit Singh alias Sunny, sustained injuries. Both operatives were part of an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed terror module led by Harvinder Rinda and were involved in various killings.
04-Jan-2024
The three-day conference of Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) in Jaipur, Rajasthan, starting on January 5, will address key issues such as terror threats in Jammu and Kashmir, cyber frauds, and the activities of pro-Khalistan groups. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah will participate, discussing topics such as the implementation of recent criminal laws, the Maoist issue, inter-state police coordination, and preparations for general elections. Approximately 250 officers will attend physically, with over 200 participating virtually, delivering presentations on counterterrorism, online fraud, and other security challenges. The conference, initiated outside New Delhi since 2014, has historically influenced significant policy changes in policing.
04-Jan-2024
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala is anticipated to serve as the Guest of Honour during the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit scheduled from January 10-12 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The current attention surrounding PM Fiala's visit is connected to the arrest of an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta by Czech authorities on June 30, 2023.
03-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on January 3 recovered a packet containing around 530 grams of heroin, wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, on the outskirts of Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district.
03-Jan-2024
The Shahkot police on January 3 arrested a drug peddler identified as Harpreet Singh alias Happy and seized 305 intoxicant tablets from his possession, in Baupur village in Jalandhar district.
03-Jan-2024
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, in an interview with ANI warned that Canada's political environment is creating a space for the growth of Khalistani separatism, enabling radicals to propagate their ideology. These remarks come amid escalating tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Jaishankar accuses Canada of providing room for Khalistani forces to engage in activities detrimental to bilateral relations, refuting Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's allegations of an Indian plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorists.
03-Jan-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 3 arrested Ashok Kumar, a key accused linked to gangster Rohit Godara, in connection with the murder of Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena (SRRKS) chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi. The arrest was made as part of raids conducted at 31 locations in Rajasthan and Haryana. During the operation, law enforcement recovered a large number of pistols, ammunition, digital devices (including mobile phones, SIM cards, and DVRs), as well as incriminating documents related to financial transactions. This arrest, part of an ongoing probe, brings the total number of individuals detained in the case to nine.
03-Jan-2024
Punjab Police are puzzled by the recovery of 19 kg of heroin and weapons in Amritsar city, Amritsar district, which occurred on December 31. Despite finding drone parts at the scene, the police suspect the use of a piped method for smuggling. The contraband is believed to have been trafficked by inserting a PVC pipe through the electrified barbed fence at the Indo-Pak border, taking advantage of dense fog. While smaller quantities have been previously smuggled using China-made drones, the large haul suggests a different method, leading to the arrest of two individuals in connection with the smuggling operation.