KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
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.
03-Jan-2024
Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row convict awaiting a decision on his mercy petition for 12 years, has written to Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah, questioning the delay. Rajoana was convicted in the assassination of former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh and is currently held in Patiala Central Jail in Punjab. Having spent 28 years in jail, Rajoana accused the government of biased justice, emphasizing the long-pending decision on his mercy plea.
03-Jan-2024
Police on January 3 arrested two members of a Khalistani terror module associated with the banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), identified as Karan Gujjarpuria and Vishaldeep Singh, and recovered three weapons and eight live cartridges from their possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
03-Jan-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on January 3 called for the promotion of trade ties with Pakistan and declared its intent to organize a 'Punjab Bachao Yatra,' aimed at addressing concerns about the weakening federal structure and alleged misgovernance by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government. The party's core committee, which met on January 3, decided to extend an invitation to rebels and expelled Akali leaders to return and contribute to the strengthening of the SAD.
03-Jan-2024
The Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green on January 3 expressed concern about allegations linking India to a failed assassination attempt on Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the death of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as raised by the United States (US) and Canada, respectively. Green emphasized the importance of addressing such issues sensitively with India, portraying their engagement as allies rather than solely as part of the Five Eyes alliance. Despite maintaining a stable relationship with the US, Green acknowledged the rapidly evolving nature of Australia-India ties, highlighting opportunities for growth. He also underscored Australia's commitment to addressing acts against any religious element, referencing recent attacks on Hindu temples in the country.
02-Jan-2024
The Punjab Police on January 2 arrested 11 individuals involved in a drug racket, including seven jail officials and four drug smugglers, in connection with a case involving over 43,000 calls made from mobile phones by three inmates of Ferozepur Central Jail in Ferozepur district.
02-Jan-2024
Punjab Police on January 2 conducted a special Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) named 'OPS Eagle-III' at bus stands and railway stations across the state, resulting in the arrest of 24 suspected criminals. The operation involved 500 police teams with over 4,000 personnel, focusing on frisking individuals arriving and departing from the stations. A total of 917 suspicious individuals were questioned, and 21 First Information Reports (FIR) were registered during the operation.
02-Jan-2024
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, during an interview with ANI, stated that India has rendered Pakistan's core policy of using cross-border terrorism to force dialogue irrelevant. This has been achieved by refusing to engage in talks based on terms legitimizing terrorism. Jaishankar also expressed concern over Canada providing a safe space for Khalistani forces, which is damaging the India-Canada relationship.
02-Jan-2024
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) recently designated Canadian gangster Satinderjit Singh, alias Goldy Brar, as a 'designated terrorist' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Brar, associated with the Khalistani terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), is accused of multiple killings, professing a radical ideology, and engaging in cross-border arms smuggling. The son of a retired Punjab Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Brar is linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and claimed responsibility for the high-profile murder of Punjabi singer-turned-politician Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022. Wanted in Canada, he faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and weapons trafficking, ranking among the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's (RCMP) top wanted criminals.
02-Jan-2024
According to sources, the Indian government plans to deploy indigenous anti-drone technology within the next six months to counter smuggling activities along the India-Pakistan border. The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police have reported 593 drone sightings and the recovery of 110 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the past 12 months. The technology aims to curb the smuggling of arms and narcotics, especially in Punjab, with central agencies suspecting Pakistani involvement in financing and supplying weapons to pro-Khalistan entities on the Indian side through the use of UAVs.
02-Jan-2024
The Punjab Police on January 2 granted a six-day parole to Kulwant Singh Rauke, an associate of Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Amritpal Singh, who is currently in Dibrugarh jail in Assam. The parole was granted following the death of Rauke's uncle and allowed him to visit his village in the Moga district of Punjab. Rauke is the first to be released for any purpose since the crackdown on Waris Punjab De in March 2023.
01-Jan-2024
Designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a video message on January 1, called for the 'economic destruction' of India by targeting the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange on March 12. Pannun urged people to divest from Indian stocks and invest in American stocks. Indian security agencies have pursued him in numerous cases, and last month, he called for targeting the Indian Parliament. Pannun has a history of openly advocating violence against India and was designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
01-Jan-2024
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) on January 1 designated Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar, as a "terrorist" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Brar has been on Interpol's red notice since June 2022 and is connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He is implicated in assisting pro-Khalistan outfits in smuggling weapons, drugs, carrying out targeted killings, and recruitment. Additionally, he is accused of being involved in the hit on Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and claimed responsibility on behalf of the Bishnoi gang. Brar is listed among Canada's 25 most wanted individuals, and Indian agencies are actively seeking his extradition from Canada.
01-Jan-2024
A series of prayer ceremonies for the release of Amritpal Singh, the leader of Waris Punjab De (WPD), and other imprisoned Sikhs concluded on January 1 at Sachkhand Sri Hajur Sahib in Nanded district of Maharashtra. The prayer events, emphasizing religious and spiritual beliefs, aimed at seeking divine intervention for the release of detainees.
01-Jan-2024
Punjab Police on January 1 busted an inter-state drug smuggling racket by arresting two individuals, identified as Pishora Singh and Arjodh Singh alias Jodha along with 10 kg of opium and a car (PB04 V 1299) from Maqboolpura area of Amritsar district.
01-Jan-2024
In 2023, along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, Border Security Force (BSF) troops detected and downed 107 drones. They seized 442.395 kg of heroin, 23 weapons, and 505 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, they neutralized three Pakistani intruders and apprehended 23 Pakistani nationals, 14 Bangladeshi nationals, and 95 Indian suspects, including 35 smugglers. The troops also displayed a humanitarian approach by handing over 12 Pakistani nationals who inadvertently crossed the border.
01-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on January 1 recovered a packet containing around 480 grams of heroin, wrapped in a yellow adhesive tape, on the outskirts of L S Wala Village in Ferozepur district.
01-Jan-2024
An 18-year-old alleged drug addict, identified as Navdeep Singh, was beaten to death at a de-addiction centre in Patto Hira Singh village in Moga district, and the police arrested 10 Nihangs on January 1 in connection with the murder. The Taruna Dal of Nihangs operated the unauthorized rehabilitation centre. Navdeep was taken to the centre by Nihangs, allegedly harassed, and severely beaten when attempting to leave. One Nihang, Sukhpal Singh, alias Sukha Nihang, has been named in the case. The police are investigating the case to identify the other suspects.
31-Dec-2023
Khanna Police on December 31 arrested three individuals identified as Abhishek Shahi, Akashdeep Singh and Sagar Thakur, and seized 260 grams of heroin from their possession, at a post check post near PUNSUP godown in Doraha in Ludhiana district.
31-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in India employs women constables, known as "mahila praharis," who play a crucial role in patrolling and guarding the Indo-Pak international border. These women undergo rigorous training in weapons handling, drills, and self-defence techniques before being deployed at borders in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Despite facing challenges like ceasefire violations, they work shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts, demonstrating unity in diversity. The BSF emphasizes equal opportunities, dignity, and a congenial working atmosphere for women, breaking stereotypes and promoting women empowerment.
31-Dec-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified 43 Khalistan supporters allegedly involved in attacks on the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK), and the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, United States (US), as revealed by the NIA spokesperson. The NIA conducted over 50 raids to uncover the conspiracy behind these attacks, utilizing innovative investigative methods, including crowd-sourcing. Meanwhile, the agency arrested 625 individuals in 2023, marking a nearly 28% increase compared to 2022. The overall conviction rate for the NIA in 2023 was 94.70%, reflecting its effectiveness in investigations and prosecutions.
31-Dec-2023
According to sources within the police, juvenile crime rates are surging in India. Notorious criminals such as Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and Goldy Brar operate from abroad, contributing to the rise. Gangs actively target vulnerable youths, taking advantage of their susceptibility to peer pressure, socio-economic challenges, and a lack of positive role models. The recruitment of juveniles from rural areas and their involvement in crimes, ranging from petty theft to assault and drug-related activities, has become a significant concern for law enforcement agencies. Efforts are being intensified to unravel the recruitment tactics and address the growing influence of local and international gangs.
31-Dec-2023
According to intelligence sources, Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, a designated terrorist with 33 criminal cases against him, is currently operating a narco-terror-gangster network from Canada, with support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Landa's group focuses on target killings, attacks on government establishments, and drug smuggling. He is affiliated with the Khalistani terror organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and is a notable partner of Pakistan-based gangster-turned-terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. Landa has been involved in various criminal activities, including murder, extortion, kidnapping, and arms and drug smuggling.
31-Dec-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a remarkable conviction rate of 94.70% in 2023, making 625 arrests and attaching assets worth around INR 56 crore. The agency focused on cracking down on the nexus between pro-Khalistan operatives, gangsters, and drug smugglers, as well as conducting operations against modules linked to the Islamic State (IS) and other banned terror outfits. The NIA registered 68 cases, including 'jihadi terror' cases, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), and attacks on Indian missions abroad. Innovative methods, such as crowd sourcing, were employed, leading to the identification of 43 suspects. The agency conducted over 1,000 searches, raids, and attached 240 properties with a total value of INR 55.90 crore. Arrests made upon deportation and extradition demonstrated the NIA's commitment to pursuing offenders across international borders. The agency also focused on human trafficking cases and declared six individuals as 'individual terrorists' in 2023.