KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 18-Aug-2023
In a video shared on August 18, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), labelled Canada-based Punjabi singer AP Dhillon as a Khalistan supporter. AP Dhillon recently faced controversy as pro-Khalistan groups claimed he supported their agenda due to his choice of Tricolour-themed footwear, sparking a debate on social media. Intelligence agencies are investigating whether this is a smear attempt against the singer or if there is any truth to the claim made by Pannun.
India 18-Aug-2023
The investigation into the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, who was shot dead on May 29, 2022, has revealed that the plot was hatched in Uttar Pradesh (UP) by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Some photographs show gang members, including Sachin Bishnoi, who is accused in the murder case, in various locations in Ayodhya and Lucknow in UP prior to the assassination. These images also depict the presence of internationally-sourced weapons believed to have been used in the attack. Delhi Police are planning to collaborate with UP authorities to conduct a further investigation into the case.
India 18-Aug-2023
Harsimrat Kaur, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Bathinda, on August 18, wrote a letter addressed to the Union Home Minister (UHM), Amit Shah, urging him to commute Balwant Singh Rajoana's death sentence to life imprisonment and to expedite his release on humanitarian grounds. She referred to Rajoana as a 'dharmi' (faith defender) prisoner. Balwant Singh Rajoana was convicted for his involvement in the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh.
India 18-Aug-2023
On August 18, in accordance with the directions of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) issued a circular urging gurdwara managements to discourage the practice of offering toys as offerings by devotees.
India 18-Aug-2023
A Tarn Taran court on August 18 sent three members of an alleged terror module identified as Ashmpreet Singh, Pardeep Singh and Sukhmanpreet, to judicial custody after the expiry of their police remand in Tarn Taran, in Tarn Taran district. They were part of a terror module run by Gurdev Singh alias Jaisel operating from the Czech Republic. Investigations revealed their involvement in delivering weapons and funds, with Jaisel being connected to gangster-turned-terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa and Satbir Singh Satta.
India 18-Aug-2023
Investigating agencies on August 18 revealed that Sachin Bishnoi alias Sachin Thappan, who was extradited from Azerbaijan in connection with the Sidhu Moosewala murder case, was staying with gang members at a farmhouse, in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh (UP), before the murder took place. He, along with other Bishnoi gang shooters, had been practicing firing at the farmhouse, which belongs to a man identified as Vikas Singh. Sachin Bishnoi is wanted in five criminal cases, including violations of the Arms Act, murder, and attempted murder, all of which are related to the Lawrence Bishnoi crime group.
India 18-Aug-2023
Punjab’s Special Director General of Police (Law and Order), Arpit Shukla, along with Inspector General (IG) of Frontier Headquarters, Border Security Force (BSF) Jalandhar, Dr Atul Fulzele, on August 18, held a meeting with BSF officials to strategize against the drug supply chain. This initiative follows Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's pledge to make Punjab drug-free by the next Independence Day. Proposed measures include enhancing CCTV coverage along the International Border, upgrading police facilities in border areas, and seizing properties of smugglers. The Chief Minister has sanctioned INR 20 crore for CCTV installation and the strengthening of police infrastructure.
India 19-Aug-2023
The banned Khalistani terror outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), in a video released on August 19, declared that they have reached out to Chinese President Xi Jinping via a letter, advocating for the annexation of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and seeking support for a Khalistan Referendum for an independent Sikh nation. In the letter, SFJ draws parallels between Punjab's occupation by India as perceived by SFJ and Arunachal Pradesh's territorial dispute with China. The letter suggests that China should pursue a secessionist referendum for Arunachal Pradesh.
India 19-Aug-2023
The Punjab Police on August 19 carried out a special operation named 'OPS Seal-III' in collaboration with the police forces of neighboring states, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. This operation resulted in the arrest of 49 individuals, the issuance of fines (challans) to 329 vehicles, the impoundment of 25 vehicles, and the seizure of INR 45 lakh in cash, 30 kilograms of poppy husk, 374 grams of heroin, 500 grams of charas, and 263 liters of illicit liquor. The operation involved 1,500 personnel and covered 10 inter-state border districts of Punjab- Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS) Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Bathinda.
India 19-Aug-2023
A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on August 19 convicted a man, named Navdeep Singh for money laundering charges related to drug smuggling in Jalandhar, Jalandhar district. Singh has been sentenced to 3.5 years of imprisonment and fined INR 50,000. If the fine is not paid, he will face an additional three months of imprisonment. The court has allowed the confiscation of assets worth INR 9 lakh that were earlier seized by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This case stems from a 2017 Punjab Police FIR related to drug smuggling.
India 19-Aug-2023
The self-proclaimed head of Damdami Taksal, identified as Barjinder Singh Parwana, has been accused of targeting Hindu shop owners in Rajpura in Patiala district. He is also alleged to have been involved in the attack on a Kali Mata Temple in Patiala and to have caused the arrest of two Hindus for selling 'Gutka Sahib' alongside other books. Parwana has a history of promoting enmity and is associated with Sikh radicalism, having participated in protests and delivered provocative speeches on social media.
India 20-Aug-2023
A group of politicians in Punjab has advocated for the legalization of opium sales as an alternative for drug users, following a series of suspected drug overdose deaths. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sikander Singh Maluka and former Patiala Member of Parliament (MP), Dharamvira Gandhi, support this idea, believing that legalizing opium sales could undermine the drug mafia and provide users with a safer option. They highlight that opium has a historical presence in Punjab without causing fatalities. Their argument is that legalizing opium could generate revenue, reduce harmful drug use, and disrupt criminal networks. However, there are concerns about the potential impact and feasibility of such a move.
India 20-Aug-2023
Security has been heightened along the Punjab-Kathua district border in response to an alert from Punjab Police about a planned operation against drug peddlers near the border. The Kathua police have intensified naka checking and increased vigilance by deploying police teams in various locations along the border. The specific details of the operation and the reasons for the heightened security measures have not been publicly disclosed.
India 20-Aug-2023
Various Sikh organizations, on August 20, held a prayer meeting urging the Indian government to waive the passport requirement for travel to Pakistan through the Kartarpur corridor. They proposed issuing special passes instead to facilitate pilgrims, particularly those without passports. The groups also called for efforts to prevent drug smuggling across the border and advocated for free trade between Indian and Pakistani Punjabis.
United Kingdom 21-Aug-2023
According to reports, the death of Avtar Singh Khanda, the United Kingdom (UK)-based chief of the Khalistani militant outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), has sparked conspiracy theories of foul play. However, UK authorities have confirmed that his death resulted from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with no suspicious elements involved. Khalistani separatists are propagating these conspiracy theories to fuel division and recruit followers. It is crucial to debunk misinformation and guard against the manipulation of facts for political agendas.
United States 21-Aug-2023
According to reports, Rajvir Singh Gill, a former Sikh candidate for the Bakersfield city council, is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at the end of the month. Gill was arrested for allegedly attempting to hire hitmen to shoot members of Gurdwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Khalsa Darbar and burn down the property in Bakersfield, California, United States (US).
India 21-Aug-2023
A Delhi court on August 21 adjourned the case related to the Pul Bangash killings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which Senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler is an accused. The next hearing is scheduled for August 29, following a request from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for more time to respond to Tytler's application for certain documents.
India 21-Aug-2023
In a joint operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police on August 21 arrested two Pakistani smugglers and recovered 29.26 kilograms of heroin from their possession near Gatti Matar village in Mamdot Tehsil in Ferozepur district. The smugglers were apprehended after troops challenged them and fired upon them, with one of them sustaining a hand injury.
India 21-Aug-2023
According to Narinder Bhargav, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the border range in Amritsar, the Punjab Police has commenced the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) for all cases involving the movement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones along the Pakistan border. These drones are increasingly being employed to smuggle arms, ammunition, explosives, and drugs from across the border. Previously, only cases resulting in recoveries were registered during joint operations with the Border Security Force (BSF). This change facilitates investigations into drone activities and focuses on disrupting the supply links between Indian and Pakistani smugglers.
India 21-Aug-2023
According to reports, amid flooding along the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district in Punjab, cross-border smugglers are taking advantage of the situation to push contraband, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory. The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing has seized over 132 kg of heroin in the past month, with smugglers leveraging their diving skills during floods to facilitate smuggling operations along the river, which crosses into Pakistan multiple times before draining into the neighbouring country.
India 21-Aug-2023
The Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), on August 21 arrested a key operative of the Bambiha gang, identified as Simranjit Singh alias Simmi and recovered a pistol along with four live cartridges from his possession, near Dara Studio in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. He was en route to deliver a consignment of weapons when he was arrested.
India 21-Aug-2023
According to sources, Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly tasked his brother, Anmol Bishnoi, to carry out the contract to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan, after earlier attempts by other gang members failed. Lawrence's gang has reportedly shifted to using Germany-made PS 30 pistols instead of Turkish-made Zigana ones and is obtaining these weapons through foreign associates, including Ranjit Dupla in the United States (US). The gang has expanded its network in southern states, with support from individuals like Kala Jathedi, Naresh Sethi, and others. Anmol Bishnoi has recruited new members, including Akshay Bishnoi, and is believed to be responsible for extortion and shootings, with ties to a London-based criminal.
India 21-Aug-2023
According to sources, Vikas Singh, a former gangster turned politician from Ayodhya, played a significant role in providing shelter to members of Lawrence Bishnoi's criminal syndicate, including Sachin Bishnoi, the key accused in the murder of rapper Siddhu Moose Wala. The gang stayed at Singh's farmhouse in Devgarh Village, Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
India 21-Aug-2023
According to reports, hybrid warfare - a blend of conventional tactics, cyber warfare, irregular forces, and disinformation campaigns - has emerged as a new menace in the modern era of global connectivity. The Indian state of Punjab has become a battleground for such strategies, exemplified by the Twitter account @NationGazette. This account poses as a proxy for the Khalistan movement, spreading disinformation, impersonating individuals, and aiming to destabilize India by undermining its unity and integrity through a network of deception and influence. Vigilance against such divisive agendas is crucial in this digital age to safeguard the truth and counter hybrid warfare tactics.
India 22-Aug-2023
Punjab Police, on August 22, in partnership with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT), organized a one-day workshop at Amity University in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The workshop aimed to sensitize participants to FATF provisions and Income Tax regulations concerning charitable institutions, ensuring protection from misuse by terrorist organizations for funding terror activities.
Pakistan 22-Aug-2023
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of Pakistan Army on August 22 stated that the Pakistan Rangers have arrested six alleged Indian smugglers, identified as Gurmeej, Shinder Singh, Juginder Singh, Vishal, Rattan Pal Singh and Garvender Singh, between July 29 and August 3, for allegedly trying to smuggle “narcotics, weapons and ammunition” into Pakistan. There has been no immediate response from Indian authorities regarding this incident.
India 22-Aug-2023
A joint team of Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, on August 22 recovered 450 grams of heroin in a bottle from a farming field near Roranwala village in Amritsar district of Punjab. The BSF troops detected a buzzing sound from a suspected drone entering Indian territory on August 21 night in the same area, and a subsequent search of the area on August 22 morning led to the recovery.
India 22-Aug-2023
Heavy police force was deployed on August 22 in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab, in anticipation of a farmers' protest rally in Chandigarh seeking compensation for flood-related crop losses.
India 22-Aug-2023
On August 22, a police officer named Bhushan Kumar from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, issued an apology after a video of him calling the deceased Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala a 'terrorist' went viral on social media. Kumar stated that he didn't know much about Moose Wala and that his comments were a result of a 'slip of the tongue.' He expressed remorse, apologized to Moose Wala’s parents, and pledged support for their pursuit of justice
India 23-Aug-2023
Prior to the visit of the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to India during the G20 Summit, Alex Ellis, the High Commissioner of the UK to India, in an interview, on August 23, discussed the extensive agenda for their bilateral meeting, including defence cooperation and progress on a free trade agreement as well as security challenges posed by China and Khalistani elements. Ellis acknowledged the Khalistan issue, emphasizing that extremism is not acceptable, and asserted that the UK has increased security, police presence, and cooperation with Indian authorities to address the problem, recognizing it as a shared concern rather than just an Indian one.
India 23-Aug-2023
A Delhi court on August 23 framed charges against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in a case related to the burning of a gurdwara during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in New Delhi. The court deemed him the "principal abettor" in the incident, stating that evidence supported his involvement in an unlawful assembly that aimed to burn the gurdwara and destroy Sikh properties as a response to the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
India 23-Aug-2023
Punjab Police on August 23 shared a video showing a Pakistani drone airdropping a small packet of heroin in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab. According to the police, smugglers from across the border are now resorting to delivering narcotics during the daytime as well, posing a fresh challenge for the security forces. On the same day, Tarn Taran Police arrested an individual identified as Jugraj Singh in the Tarn Taran district and recovered 2 kilograms of heroin along with a drone from his possession. Singh was arrested when his bike was intercepted at a checkpoint, according to Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurmeet Chauhan.
India 23-Aug-2023
The Anti-drug Special Task Force (STF) of Punjab Police on August 23 arrested three members of a cross-border drug smuggling module, identified as Agyapal Singh, Ranjodh Singh alias Rana and Sandeep Singh and recovered 41 kilograms of heroin and four mobile phones from their possession, in Mehmed Mandara Wala village in Amritsar district. The heroin was found concealed under the brick floor of a cattle shed.
India 23-Aug-2023
On August 23, the families of two Indians, Ratanpal Singh and Harvinder Singh, who were arrested by Pakistan Rangers for allegedly trying to smuggle narcotics into Pakistan, denied their involvement in the drug trade. The families claimed that the youths were swept away towards the Pakistan side during floods on July 27, 2023, while trying to help a relative. They believe the allegations are false. The families have sought assistance from various authorities to safely bring back their sons.
India 23-Aug-2023
Police on August 23 arrested two persons, identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Sonu and Akashdeep Singh and recovered 1.290 kilograms of heroin along with INR 30 lakh drug money, one .32 bore pistol with two magazines and 8 bullets from their possession near Bhuse village in Tarn Taran district.
India 23-Aug-2023
Punjab Police, along with the Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation on August 23, recovered a broken drone and 3.5 kilograms of heroin from the outskirts of Hazara Singh Wala village in Ferozepur district.
India 23-Aug-2023
The Gujarat Police on August 23 took custody of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently jailed in Bathinda, Punjab. The Gujarat Police took his custody to investigate his potential involvement in a drug smuggling case that involved the seizure of 34 kilograms of heroin, worth around INR 200 crore, from a Pakistani fishing boat off the Gujarat coast in September 2022. Bishnoi is suspected of orchestrating the cross-border drug smuggling operation.
India 24-Aug-2023
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on August 24 issued a proclamation notice against Ranjit Singh Neeta, the chief of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) who is currently believed to be residing in Pakistan, giving him 30 days to surrender, in Mohali, Punjab. Neeta is wanted for his alleged involvement in multiple acts of terrorism, including bombings and attacks in India. The notice cites various incidents of Neeta's alleged involvement in various bombings, including those on trains like Shalimar Express and Sealdah Express, as well as attacks such as the one on Kailash Guest House in Delhi.
India 24-Aug-2023
Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh, expressed concern on August 24 over threatening letters sent to Sikh families in Rawalpindi and Panja Sahib, Pakistan, urging them to convert or leave. He has called upon India and Pakistan to ensure the safety of Sikh families and highlighted a history of targeted violence against Sikhs in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
India 24-Aug-2023
The Damdami Taksal (Ajnala), a breakaway faction of the prominent Sikh seminary, convened a meeting on August 24 at the Gurdwara Dukh Bhanjansar Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab and decided to escalate their efforts in pressuring the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab due to perceived unfulfilled promises concerning Sikh religious matters. The group, led by Amrik Singh Ajnala, criticized the government's inaction on issues such as the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, drug abuse, and corruption. They announced a 'Rosh March' scheduled for September 6, with the intention of marching to the residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and staging a protest.
India 24-Aug-2023
According to sources, the recovery of weapons used in the assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala remains unresolved 15 months after the incident. While 15 weapons were recovered from the six shooters in separate operations by the Punjab and Delhi Police, including those matching the bullets found at the crime scene, a .30 bore pistol and another 9mm pistol used by other assailants in the Punjabi singer's murder remain unrecovered. Priyavrat Fauji, who led the 'Fauji module' responsible for the shooting, has not yet surrendered the weapons. The alleged main conspirator, Sachin Thapan, recently extradited from Azerbaijan, did not lead to the recovery of the weapons. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) discovered that the weapons were supplied by Pakistan-based arms smugglers, revealing links between Indian gangsters and terror agencies.
India 24-Aug-2023
Jailed gangster, Lawrence Bishnoi, on August 24 was taken into custody by Gujarat's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) after being granted a four-day police remand by a court Naliya in Kutch district of Gujarat. Bishnoi is implicated in using narcotics to fund terror activities, with ATS claiming to have found a money trail linking him to individuals involved in such activities. This is his second custody, related to a case involving heroin intercepted from a Pakistani fishing trawler in 2022, and he's also accused in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
India 24-Aug-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation, on August 24 recovered 360 grams of heroin from the outskirts of Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district.
India 24-Aug-2023
According to reports, flooded rivers along the Indo-Pak border have posed a challenge for the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in monitoring anti-national activities in the border areas of Punjab. Smugglers are exploiting the situation to transport narcotics. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, BSF personnel are maintaining constant vigilance, and recent arrests by the Special Task Force (STF) have unveiled smuggling routes and connections with drug smugglers based in Pakistan.
India 24-Aug-2023
Madhya Pradesh (MP) Police on August 24 arrested a man, who was previously arrested in Delhi in 2021 for supplying arms to Khalistan supporters, identified as Rajendra Singh Baranwala along with his four accomplices in connection with a series of thefts in different areas of Indore in Indore district of MP. The gang, led by Rajendra Singh Baranwala attempted 15 break-ins in August between August 1 and 20, successfully stealing gold and silver coins as well as cash from three locations. In 2021, Baranwala was arrested in Delhi for supplying arms to Khalistan supporters, and 18 illegal pistols were seized from his possession.
India 25-Aug-2023
United Kingdom (UK) Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch on August 25 labelled the incident in March 2023 attack on the Indian High Commission in London as a "disgrace", while attending the B20 Summit in New Delhi, India. "In any country no matter how much of a global superpower there will always be problems and in the UK one of the most interesting things, and I say this as one of the immigrants to the country, is that quite a lot of the times people don't integrate the way we want them to and they bring problems and the same negative attitudes and the same issues from wherever they come from and bring it to the UK," stated Badenoch.
United Kingdom 25-Aug-2023
A man of Punjabi origin, Sundeep Singh Rai, and his accomplice, Billy Hayre, on August 25 were sentenced to 12 years in prison each for conspiring to smuggle banned drugs into the United Kingdom (UK) at Wolverhampton Crown Court in Wolverhampton, UK. They were part of an organized crime group that attempted to bring 30 kilograms of cocaine and 30 kilograms of amphetamine from Mexico to the UK via a cargo plane. The National Crime Agency (NCA) led the investigation, which resulted in their arrests and convictions. The NCA emphasized its commitment to disrupting the supply.
India 25-Aug-2023
The Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, released a new video in which he threatened Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) staff and expressed his anger over India's moon mission (Chandrayaan-3), referring to it as a ‘blood’ mission. In the latest video, he stated, “In Modi's India, this isn't merely a moon mission; it's a 'blood' mission. Instead of fuel, you've utilized the blood of our Sikhs and the people of Punjab. The attempt to conceal the Sikh genocide under the guise of a soft moon landing won't succeed. Modi's India, SFJ intends to unveil your actions. ISRO, you are within the sights of pro-Khalistani Sikhs. You are marked as a target. In Modi's India, you are ruthlessly exploiting the Sikh community, both economically and physically, resulting in genocide. SFJ will respond, and your celebrations will be short-lived. ISRO, you are the prime target and under the radar of pro-Khalistani Sikhs.”
India 25-Aug-2023
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in New Delhi on August 25 ordered the confiscation of property belonging to Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, at his ancestral village of Kirian in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. Landa, a gangster-turned-terrorist, has been residing in Canada since 2017. He had been affiliated with the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and its associate Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, who is a terrorist operative based in Pakistan. Landa is the mastermind behind several terror attacks in India, including the 2022 rocket-propelled grenade attacks on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters and the Sarhali police station in Punjab. He was earlier declared a proclaimed offender on July 27.
India 25-Aug-2023
Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh of Akal Takht Sahib on August 25 declared prohibition on administrative meetings of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) due to a recent incident where members exchanged abusive language in a meeting, in Amritsar, Punjab.
India 25-Aug-2023
According to sources, the Border Security Force (BSF) has contacted Pakistan Rangers to obtain more information regarding alleged Indian smugglers who were arrested between July 29 and August 3, accused of attempting to transport 'narcotics, weapons, and ammunition' into Pakistan. However, as of now, no response has been received.
India 25-Aug-2023
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on August 25 criticized Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann for the deteriorating law and order situation caused by the rampant drug trade in the state. Purohit also asked the CM to provide a report detailing the actions taken to combat this issue. Purohit's concerns arise from reports of widespread drug abuse, their availability in chemist shops, and even instances of government-controlled liquor vend selling drugs. These incidents have led to public protests and raised concerns about the breakdown of law and order.
India 25-Aug-2023
Five Punjab Police inspectors identified as Gurwinder Singh, Neeraj Kumar, Gagandeep Singh, Harinder Singh and Dharminder Kalyan, were transferred after videos emerged of them attending a birthday party where gangster Kamal Kumar alias Bori was also present, in Amritsar, Punjab. Two Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSPs) Sanjeev Kumar and Parvesh Chopra, were also present at the party, but no action has been taken against them yet. The videos were allegedly shot at social activist Kumar Darshan’s birthday party, organised at a hotel in Amritsar on August 7.
India 26-Aug-2023
Two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), Parvesh Chopra and Sanjiv Kumar, were transferred on August 26 to Bathinda and Mansa districts, respectively, in Punjab, for attending a birthday party with the alleged gangster Kamal Kumar alias Bori.
India 26-Aug-2023
The police on August 26 arrested an alleged gangster, identified as Kamal Kumar alias Bori on charges of illegal detention, criminal intimidation, and violating the Arms Act, from Amritsar, Punjab. According to sources, more than 15 cases have been registered against Bori.
India 26-Aug-2023
Five farmer organizations, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), All India Kisan Federation, Kisan Sangharsh Committee (Punjab), Bharti Kisan Union (Mansa), and Azad Kisan Sangharsh, on August 26 held a meeting in Chandigarh to plan mass dharnas on September 4 at district headquarters in Punjab, demanding fair compensation for flood-affected individuals. The groups will submit memorandums to deputy commissioners during the protests.
India 26-Aug-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on August 26 criticized Governor Banwarilal Purohit for sending a letter warning of potential President's Rule and alleging a failure of the constitutional machinery in the state. Mann stated that law and order are under control, addressing concerns raised about the state's condition. He accused the Governor of displaying hunger for power and emphasized that the state government is actively addressing flood relief and challenges in releasing funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Mann urged Purohit to prioritize addressing the state's concerns instead of pursuing power.
India 26-Aug-2023
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal on August 26 opposed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s attempts to control gurdwaras and expressed its disagreement with the imposition of President's rule in Punjab. He also emphasized the need for Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann to respect constitutional authorities.
Canada 26-Aug-2023
A petition aimed at formally recognizing Hinduphobia in Canada, due to concerns over a series of vandalizations of temples over the past year, has gathered more than 6000 signatures as of August 26. This is the largest number among all open petitions across categories. The petition was brought forward by the Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (COHHE) and sponsored by MP (Member of Parliament) Melissa Lantsman. Temples such as the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, Brampton Triveni Mandir, Pashupatinath Temple in Brampton, and Sri Jain Mandir in Toronto, among others, are backing the petition after facing vandalism by Khalistanis. The initiative aims to label Hinduphobia in the Human Rights Code, define it, and address systemic discrimination and prejudice against Hindus and Hinduism.
India 27-Aug-2023
The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) has come under scrutiny for not including the Punjabi language in its official press releases, which are solely in Hindi. This has sparked concerns among pro-Punjabi activists, journalists, and Sikh intellectuals in Haryana, who question the committee's intentions.
India 27-Aug-2023
Slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala’s father Balkaur Singh on August 27 accused Punjab Police of providing VIP treatment to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the mastermind behind his son's murder, while addressing a gathering at Moosa village in Mansa Tehsil in Mansa district of Punjab.
India 27-Aug-2023
According to sources, the Delhi Police's Special Cell is set to investigate the pro-Khalistan graffiti incident at multiple metro stations in Delhi, invoking legal sections including Indian Penal Code (IPC) 153, 153A, 505, and Defacement Act's section 3. The suspected involvement of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) activists is being probed, with the Special Cell already looking into SFJ-related cases. The pro-Khalistani graffiti challenging India's sovereignty was found at over seven metro stations on August 27, along with a government school - Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya Nangloi.
India 27-Aug-2023
Khanna Police on August 27 revealed that they have secured approval to freeze properties valued at INR 4.74 crore linked to drug peddlers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, in Khanna in Ludhiana district of Punjab. The properties of 13 individuals will be seized.
India 27-Aug-2023
Police arrested siblings, identified as Karanvir Kaur and Gurpreet Singh for allegedly selling heroin to Manpreet Singh, who died of drug overdose on August 25, and recovered 5 grams of heroin and Rs 25,000 drug money from them, in Bhaloor village in Moga district. Based on the investigation, it was found that Manpreet obtained drugs from the siblings residing in the same village, who are also involved in selling heroin.
India 27-Aug-2023
Punjab Police’s Special Task Force (STF) on August 27 arrested an alleged drug smuggler, identified as Partap Singh, and recovered 350 grams of heroin from his possession near Rayya in Amritsar district. The STF received intelligence about his smuggling activities and attempted to apprehend him at a checkpoint near Dunial village in Baba Bakala tehsil of Amritsar district. The suspect fired at the police, prompting them to return fire and injure him. According to Jagjit Singh Soroa, Assistant Inspector General (AIG), STF, Jalandhar, Singh has been hospitalised and will be quizzed after discharge.
India 27-Aug-2023
Ahead of the G20 Summit in Delhi, the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) activists on August 27 defaced at least five Metro stations in New Delhi: Shivaji Park, Madipur, Paschim Vihar, Udyog Nagar, and Maharaja Surajmal Stadium, with pro-Khalistan graffiti. The graffiti included slogans such as "Delhi Banega Khalistan" and "Khalistan Zindabad." Meanwhile, a video featuring SFJ's chief, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, emerged on social media, where Pannun stated that the Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is the target of the "battle of G20 Pragati Maidan." He also mentioned that during the G-20 summit in Delhi on September 10, they intend to conduct a Khalistan referendum in Canada. In response, Delhi Police have taken legal action and registered a case under relevant sections.
India 27-Aug-2023
Khanna Police on August 27 arrested two persons, identified as Yousuf Masih and Gogo Devi and recovered 150 kilograms of poppy husk from their possession near Maloud in Ludhiana district.
India 28-Aug-2023
Khanna Police on August 28 arrested two individuals, identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Laddi and Gurpreet Singh alias Sodhi and recovered 248 kilograms of poppy husk and 500 grams of opium from their possession, near Dehru in Khanna tehsil of Ludhiana district.
India 28-Aug-2023
The chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has praised China's incorporation of Arunachal Pradesh, the Aksai Chin region, Taiwan, and the disputed South China Sea in its 'official map' introduced on August 28. He stated that these regions rightfully belong to China. Pannun has also suggested that the G20 Summit in New Delhi could be an opportune time for China to endorse the annexation of Arunachal Pradesh and the Khalistan Referendum. The SFJ, which advocates for Khalistan, had reached out to China in June, viewing Punjab as occupied territory and Arunachal Pradesh as Chinese territory.
India 28-Aug-2023
On August 28, during a vehicle inspection, drug smugglers assaulted a police party with sharp-edged weapons and stones, resulting in injuries to Inspector Karanveer Singh and Constable Balwinder Singh, in Dhobiana Basti in Model Town locality of Bathinda district. The Civil Lines police station filed a case against individuals identified as Anarjit, Kamal, Shankar Das, Sheela Devi, Pooja Devi, Rahul among others.
India 28-Aug-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) on August 28 raised strong objection to scenes in the movie "Yaariyan 2," specifically the song "Saure Ghar," where an actor is depicted wearing the Sikh Kakaar (symbol of Sikh faith) Kirpan in an objectionable manner.
India 28-Aug-2023
Security in Delhi was heightened on August 28 after pro-Khalistan graffiti appeared, although intelligence agencies haven't received any new threats. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed, and district officers have been asked to patrol to prevent any further incidents. Controversial slogans were discovered at multiple metro stations, raising concerns ahead of the G20 summit, in which global leaders, including United States (US) President Joe Biden, will be in attendance. While specific intelligence was lacking, officials will now increase the sharing and frequency of Delhi-related inputs for the next two weeks.
India 28-Aug-2023
The radical leaders, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) President Simranjit Singh Mann and Dal Khalsa leader Kanwarpal Singh, held a joint press conference on August 28 in Amritsar to announce a conclave named M&N-20, scheduled to take place on September 7 in New Delhi, coinciding with the G20 Summit. The conclave aims to present the perspective of minorities, particularly Sikhs.
India 28-Aug-2023
A Mohali court on August 28 ordered the framing of charges against Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief Jagtar Singh Hawara under the Explosives and Arms Acts, in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The charges leveled against him include criminal conspiracy, illegal firearm activities, and unauthorized explosives possession. The court has scheduled September 18 as the next hearing date for the case. Owing to his status as a "high-risk prisoner," Hawara's physical appearance was postponed. Hawara is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail in Delhi.
India 28-Aug-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) secretary, Partap Singh on August 28 filed a complaint with the Amritsar Police Commissioner against the filmmakers of the upcoming movie “Yaariyan-2, due to actor Meezaan Jafri allegedly wearing a Sikh 'kirpan' in the song "Saure Ghar" of the movie. The SGPC claims the portrayal has hurt Sikh sentiments, while the filmmakers argue that the actor is wearing a 'khukri' and not a 'kirpan,' expressing regret for any misunderstanding.
India 28-Aug-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) secretary, Partap Singh on August 28 filed a complaint with the Amritsar Police Commissioner against the filmmakers of the upcoming movie “Yaariyan-2, due to actor Meezaan Jafri allegedly wearing a Sikh 'kirpan' in the song "Saure Ghar" of the movie. The SGPC claims the portrayal has hurt Sikh sentiments, while the filmmakers argue that the actor is wearing a 'khukri' and not a 'kirpan,' expressing regret for any misunderstanding.
India 28-Aug-2023
A Delhi court has scheduled a hearing for September 6 in the Pul Bangash killings case involving Senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, in Delhi. The case pertains to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots where three individuals were killed and a gurudwara was set on fire.
India 28-Aug-2023
Top sources within the security establishment on August 28 revealed that Sikh youths are being exploited by Khalistani groups for anti-national propaganda. These groups manipulate the youths' sentiments through social media and indoctrination. Pro-Khalistan groups target Sikh youths, exploiting their vulnerability by showing them footage of the 1984 riots and the Golden Temple operation. Born after 1984, these youths are lured into painting walls and displaying flags for promised rewards of USD 1,000-2,000 per creation. However, as the police swiftly remove the graffiti, the promised payment is withheld, leaving the youths with First Information Reports (FIRs) under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections, including charges of waging war against the nation.
India 28-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police, on August 28, recovered 520 grams of heroin in a yellow packet with a hook attached to it, likely dropped by a drone, near the International Border (IB) in Amritsar sector in Amritsar district.
India 28-Aug-2023
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) General Secretary, GS Grewal on August 28 announced that the SGPC plans to expand its guide program at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, by offering internships to Comparative Studies scholars from universities.
India 28-Aug-2023
The special investigation team (SIT) on August 28 filed the second supplementary challan (charge sheet) regarding the Kotkapura police firing incident which took place in October 2015, at the court of JMIC in Faridkot in Faridkot district of Punjab. The SIT, led by LK Yadav, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), presented a 56-page charge sheet and 2,446 pages of supporting documents. The case involves former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Parkash Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, and former Director-General of Police (DGP) Sumedh Saini as accused.
India 28-Aug-2023
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on August 28 was transferred to the high-security ward at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad in Gujrat.
Pakistan 29-Aug-2023
According to a report, on August 29, a drone along with 10 kilograms of heroin was recovered by Anti-Narcotics Forces (ANF) from a smuggler's vehicle in Lahore, Pakistan. According to sources, the heroin originated from Afghanistan and was meant to be smuggled into India.
India 29-Aug-2023
A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party flag accompanied by 30-40 balloons was discovered, near the international border in Shahbazpur village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab on August 29. The flag, with text in Urdu, was found in a farmland by villagers who alerted local authorities. The area has been prone to cross-border drug smuggling
India 29-Aug-2023
A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party flag accompanied by 30-40 balloons was discovered, near the international border in Shahbazpur village in Tarn Taran district of Punjab on August 29. The flag, with text in Urdu, was found in a farmland by villagers who alerted local authorities. The area has been prone to cross-border drug smuggling
India 29-Aug-2023
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on August 29 directed field officers to initiate a crackdown on the drug supply chain, employing a three-pronged strategy of police enforcement, de-addiction, and rehabilitation, in a state-level video conference meeting in Punjab.
India 29-Aug-2023
Police on August 29 arrested the main shooter of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, identified as Anil Bishnoi and recovered a .30 bore pistol from his possession in Zirakpur, in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district of Punjab. Acting on a tip-off, the police confronted Bishnoi at Chatt light point in Zirakpur and asked him to surrender, but he fired shots and accidentally injured himself in the foot.
India 30-Aug-2023
According to reports, as India prepares for the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10, various anti-India groups, including the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), have intensified negative propaganda efforts, which they refer to as the “battle of G20”. On August 27, SFJ defaced Delhi Metro properties, launched a social media campaign with hashtags like #Khalistan and #G20India2023, and issued threats against the G20 Summit and Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. This surge in activities aims to highlight the Khalistan agenda and disrupt the summit, raising concerns about national security and international support for such activities. SFJ has also sent a letter to the government of India expressing their intention to prevent the G20 summit in Delhi from taking place without addressing the Khalistan issue.
India 30-Aug-2023
According to Punjab Police sources, many individuals from Punjab are reportedly seeking political asylum in countries like the United States (US), Canada, United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand, Australia, and Germany, citing political persecution in India. However, 4,280 asylum claims on the basis of political persecution were rejected in the last 10 years. This includes gang members, Khalistan terrorists, and job seekers. Illegal immigrants using the 'donkey route' to reach Western countries are reportedly misusing letterheads of small political parties for political asylum claims. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has also raised concerns about its letterheads being forged for such purposes. More than two dozen wanted Khalistani terrorists are attempting to secure political asylum in Canada, the US, and the UK despite being sought by Indian agencies for terror and criminal cases.
India 30-Aug-2023
Head constable Rashpal Singh on August 30 submitted a court application urging the summoning of 14 protesters, including six leaders, for allegedly causing injuries to police and damaging public property during the 2015 Kotkapura incident where Rashpal suffered head injuries, in the Faridkot court in Faridkot district. Rashpal's plea states that CCTV footage and a 13-minute video, submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) as evidence, confirm the protesters' involvement in the crime.
India 30-Aug-2023
According to reports, multiple agencies are actively countering cyber threats to prevent the disruption of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, particularly against potential attacks on the event's website and critical information infrastructure. Hackers supported by Pakistan and the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) are under surveillance for engaging in disinformation activities. These activities involve SFJ's attempts to send mass emails opposing the summit. To bolster cybersecurity measures such as monitoring the dark web and social media platforms have been implemented to safeguard against ransomware, phishing, and other forms of attacks.
India 30-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on August 30 recovered six packets heroin weighing 6.3 kilograms and one packet of opium weighing 70 grams, concealed in a 12-volt battery, near the international border (IB), near Dostpur village in Gurdaspur district.
India 30-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on August 30 recovered 2.6 kilograms of heroin dropped by a drone at a farming field on the outskirts of Ranian village in Amritsar district.
Pakistan 30-Aug-2023
Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on August 30 claimed to have unearthed a cross-border drug smuggling network allegedly operated by Mazhar Iqbal, the head of Lahore police's anti-narcotics wing, which aimed to smuggle heroin, particularly into India via drones, in Lahore, Pakistan. Iqbal has allegedly amassed significant profits from this illicit activity, and action has been initiated based on statements from recently arrested Indian smugglers. Despite a First Information Report (FIR) being registered against him, Iqbal remains beyond arrest due to pre-arrest bail. A committee of senior police officials has been formed to expand the investigation, which has revealed that Iqbal's network transported over 30 kilograms of heroin from Kasur in the Punjab province of Pakistan to India through drones, with payments received in Dubai.
India 30-Aug-2023
According to Kaustubh Sharma, the Inspector General (IG) of Ludhiana Range and in-charge of the Special Task Force (STF) in Punjab, the police have registered 758 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the past year in four different districts within the Ludhiana range such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr and Rupnagar. They have also arrested 1,037 drug smugglers and seized various contraband, including 13 kilograms of heroin, 2,000 kilograms of poppy husk, 160 kilograms of opium, and 140,000 drug pills.
India 30-Aug-2023
Police on August 30 arrested one person, identified as Jashanpreet Singh and seized 10 gm heroin from his possession in Ram Nagar in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 30-Aug-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Mohali on August 30 ordered the attachment of the property of an operative of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Varinder Singh Chahal, in connection with a case related to the recovery of heroin and drug money in 2019. Chahal, who was part of an international narco-terror network, was involved in heroin trafficking and money collection on behalf of the KLF. The network operated globally, with links to drug smugglers, terrorists, and money launderers, including Jasmeet Singh Hakimzada, designated as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker by the United States (US) Department of Treasury.
India 30-Aug-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court in Mohali on August 30 ordered the attachment of the property of an operative of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Varinder Singh Chahal, in connection with a case related to the recovery of heroin and drug money in 2019. Chahal, who was part of an international narco-terror network, was involved in heroin trafficking and money collection on behalf of the KLF. The network operated globally, with links to drug smugglers, terrorists, and money launderers, including Jasmeet Singh Hakimzada, designated as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker by the United States (US) Department of Treasury.
India 30-Aug-2023
The Khanna Police on August 30 arrested a former Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) militant, identified as Gursewak Singh alias Babla for allegedly stealing two-wheelers within the jurisdictions of the Doraha and Payal police stations in Ludhiana district of Punjab. Babla has a history of 65 First Information Reports (FIRs), primarily from the 1983-84 Punjab militancy era. He became inactive in hardliner circles after a 2004 accident but was recently captured on CCTV engaging in petty thefts, primarily stealing and selling two-wheeler parts for survival.
India 30-Aug-2023
The Khanna Police on August 30 arrested a former Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) militant, identified as Gursewak Singh alias Babla for allegedly stealing two-wheelers within the jurisdictions of the Doraha and Payal police stations in Ludhiana district of Punjab. Babla has a history of 65 First Information Reports (FIRs), primarily from the 1983-84 Punjab militancy era. He became inactive in hardliner circles after a 2004 accident but was recently captured on CCTV engaging in petty thefts, primarily stealing and selling two-wheeler parts for survival.