KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 09-May-2024
The Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, has gained attention with the entry of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh as an independent candidate. Issues such as the release of former Khalistani militants and Amritpal's arrest dominate the electoral discourse in this Sikh-dominated region. With the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) facing challenges from multiple fronts and concerns over vote division among Sikh hardliners, the electoral dynamics have intensified, leading to a four-way contest with the Congress, AAP, SAD, and Amritpal in the fray. The constituency's political landscape reflects shifting allegiances and the quest for representation amidst historical and religious sensitivities.
India 09-May-2024
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Special Task Force (STF) on May 9 arrested a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang named Manish Kumar Yadav from Ramleela Maidan in the Chiluatal area of Gorakhpur district in UP. During interrogation, Yadav confessed to his involvement in supplying arms for criminal activities, leveraging contacts he made while in jail.
India 09-May-2024
The Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar unit of Punjab Police on May 9 busted an interstate arms racket, arresting two smugglers identified as Harpreet Singh alias Happy Mattu and Rahul Masih along with seized six pistols and seven magazines near Railway Station Jalandhar Cantonment in Jalandhar district. The Police revealed that the operation uncovered the smugglers' procurement of four large arms consignments from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh (MP) over the last six months. Efforts are underway to apprehend two more significant members of the module.
India 09-May-2024
Jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD) Amritpal Singh on May 9 moved to the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) seeking temporary release from Dibrugarh jail in Assam to file his nominations for contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib constituency. Amritpal Singh's petition cited the approaching deadline for nomination filing and requested a seven-day release in accordance with National Security Act (NSA) provisions or alternative arrangements to submit his nomination papers.
Canada 09-May-2024
According to a report, one of the suspects in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Karan Brar, reportedly entered Canada on a 'study permit' obtained within days through EthicWorks Immigration Services in Bathinda in Punjab.
India 09-May-2024
Jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, declared assets worth INR 1,000 in his poll affidavit on May 9. The affidavit also reveals that Singh's wife, Kirandip Kaur, owns movable assets worth INR 18.37 lakh, including cash, gold jewellery, and funds in a United Kingdom (UK) bank account.
India 09-May-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in an interview with PTI on May 9, reiterated concerns about Canada's tolerance of Khalistani separatist elements, emphasizing that freedom of speech shouldn't support separatism. Jaishankar criticized Canada for prioritizing its vote bank over the rule of law and questioned how individuals with questionable backgrounds are allowed to stay in the country. He noted India's respect for free speech but clarified it doesn't condone threats to foreign diplomats or sheltering individuals linked to organized crime.
United Kingdom 09-May-2024
India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval expressed concern over the increasing Sikh radicalization in the United Kingdom (UK) on May 9 and urged the UK to address this issue during the India-UK Strategic Dialogue, which he co-chaired with his UK counterpart Tim Barrow in London. This concern builds on previous discussions between Doval and Barrow, particularly highlighting Sikh radicalization during their strategic dialogue in July 2023.
United States 09-May-2024
The United States (US) ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) event in Washington DC on May 9, stated that the US is satisfied with India's accountability regarding allegations of Indian officials' involvement in a plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. He expressed contentment with India's response but emphasized the need for further steps to address the situation.
India 09-May-2024
On May 9, Anuj Rao, a close associate of gangster Kala Jathedi, was fatally shot by armed assailants in Jhajjar town, Haryana. Anuj, who had recently opened a real estate office, was attacked while socializing with friends there. The police have not made any arrests related to the incident yet.
India 09-May-2024
Police on May 9 arrested three members of the David gang wanted in a murder case reported in February 2024, identified as Vikramjit Singh alias Vicky, Hardeep Singh alias Ghagu, and Tirath Singh alias Kala and seized a .32 bore pistol and four live cartridges from their possession in Ludhiana district.
United States 09-May-2024
United States (US) State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, in Washington DC on May 9, stated that the department will refrain from commenting on the alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun until the allegations are proven before a jury.
India 10-May-2024
Jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, filed his nomination from Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency of Punjab on May 10, from Dibrugarh in Assam. His lawyer and relatives facilitated the nomination in Tarn Taran, Punjab. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had previously disposed of his plea for temporary release to file the nomination, as the Punjab government facilitated the process.
India 11-May-2024
Reports indicate a surge in pro-Khalistani leaders' participation in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, including Simranjit Singh Mann (Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar – SAD-A), Sandeep Singh, Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, and jailed Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. This trend raises concerns about national security, given their advocacy for separatism, which challenges India's sovereignty. Simranjit Singh Mann's admission of accepting payment for issuing counterfeit asylum certificates adds complexity to the electoral landscape. Amritpal Singh's leadership of the Waris Punjab De (WPD) organization draws comparisons to extremist figures like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, hinting at a resurgence of radical ideologies. Sandeep Singh's association with pro-Khalistani sentiments, despite being in jail for alleged involvement in a murder, underscores simmering tensions in the region. Sarabjit Singh Khalsa's familial ties to prominent political figures, despite past electoral losses, highlight the entrenched pro-Khalistani sentiments within Punjab's political sphere.
Canada 11-May-2024
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team of Canada's British Columbia (BC) province on May 11 arrested a fourth suspect, identified as Amandeep Singh, in connection with the June 2023 killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Peel, Ontario province, Canada. Amandeep, an Indian national, was apprehended while already in custody of Peel Regional Police in Ontario on unrelated firearms charges.
India 11-May-2024
Reports highlight the deep-rooted communal politics affecting India's democracy, particularly in Punjab, tracing back to a history of religious terrorism in the 1980s and 1990s followed by heightened communal polarization. Despite a decrease in inflammatory rhetoric post-Sudhir Suri's killing, instances of lynchings and killings due to alleged 'sacrilege' by Sikh extremists persist, showcasing ongoing religious tensions. Punjab's persistent sacrilege cases underscore the seriousness, worsened by political exploitation and institutional failures. Religious leaders, including the Akal Takht's Jathedar, contribute to a hardening of Sikh identity and steer followers away from core principles, fostering religious intolerance and authoritarianism. This mirrors broader chauvinism and repression across India, highlighting the need for a collective realization against political manipulation of noble faiths.
India 11-May-2024
Baddi-based Smilax Pharmachem Drug Industries is under investigation for allegedly manufacturing and illegally supplying tramadol-related psychotropic drugs in Punjab, operating in Baddi, Solan district, Himachal Pradesh (HP). The unit is accused of failing to disclose sales details to the State Drugs Controller (SDC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) for the past year, in violation of norms. Despite extensive purchases of raw materials, drug authorities had not detected illegal drug manufacturing until a recent raid by the Special Task Force (STF) of Punjab uncovered significant quantities of tramadol powder.
India 11-May-2024
Punjab Police on May 11 busted an interstate network involved in manufacturing and supplying illegal psychotropic substances, and arrested seven individuals, including the mastermind identified as Alex Paliwal, and seized intoxicant tablets/capsules worth INR 70.42 lakh and 725.5 kg of intoxicant tramadol powder, along with INR 2.37 lakh in cash, in an operation spanned five states - Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh (HP), Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Maharashtra. The investigation, initiated by the Special Task Force (STF) following the arrest of two drug smugglers in February, eventually led to the apprehension of the gang's kingpin in UP. Further scrutiny traced the illicit supply chain to pharmaceutical companies in HP and Maharashtra, exposing the intricate web of interstate drug trafficking.
India 11-May-2024
Amritsar (Rural) police on May 11 arrested two drug peddlers, Akashbir Singh and Banty, and seized 510 grams of heroin from their possession, along with a bike and a mobile phone in Amritsar district. The duo was produced before a duty magistrate and remanded to two-day police custody for further interrogation. The police are investigating their connections to drug consignment recipients and Pakistani-based smuggler Qasim Dhillon, who smuggled contraband into Indian territory using drones.
India 11-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 11 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 2.175 Kg from fields near Sankatara village in Tarn Taran district.
India 11-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 11 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 569 Kg from fields near TJ Singh village in Tarn Taran district.
India 11-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops intercepted a drone on the night of May 11-12 and recovered a packet containing 498 grams of heroin along with the drone from fields near Havelian village in Amritsar district.
Canada 11-May-2024
On May 11, members of the Sikh community held the annual Nagar Kirtan Parade to celebrate Vaisakhi, drawing over 100,000 attendees in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The event witnessed a notable presence of Khalistani separatist elements, who waved Khalistan flags in the presence of Calgary police.
India 12-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 12 recovered a packet containing 520 grams of heroin from fields near Hardo Rattan village in Amritsar district.
India 12-May-2024
Police on May 12 busted a drug racket and arrested 13 unidentified individuals, recovering drug money worth INR 84 lakh, luxury vehicles, and a truck in Jalandhar district. These arrests are connected to a case involving 48 kg of heroin. The arrested individuals were involved in various roles within the drug network, including suppliers, purchasers, and hawala operators.
India 12-May-2024
Indian-American oncologist Dr. Bharat Barai, in an interview to PTI on May 12, criticized Western misinformation about Indian democracy during an election cycle, accusing some in the West of harbouring a colonial mentality. He also condemned Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau for not taking action against Khalistani separatists who support violence in India. Dr. Barai emphasized that the Khalistan issue is primarily confined to Canada and a small fraction of foreign-born Sikhs. He defended India's vibrant democracy and progress, dismissing Western criticisms as grounded in misinformation and false narratives.
Canada 12-May-2024
In Canada, Punjabi gangs have become intertwined with pro-Khalistan groups, collaborating to eliminate opponents and seize control of Gurdwaras. This alliance, rooted in the 1990s, saw figures like Bhupinder Singh Johal, alias Bindy, rise to prominence, triggering violent conflicts within the Sikh community. Law enforcement passivity has allowed pro-Khalistan groups to leverage Punjabi organized crime syndicates effectively. Gangs like Los Diablos, led by the Dosanjh brothers, have provided disaffected youth with empowerment, rooted in protest cultures. Meanwhile, neo-fundamentalists, spearheaded by Talwinder Singh Parmar, targeted liberal opponents, fueling further violence. Moderates' attempts to reclaim Gurdwaras often escalated tensions, with gangsters recruited to support various factions. Recent assassinations in Canada highlight the enduring challenge of gang violence and its deep-seated presence in the Punjabi community. The still unresolved assassinations of Tara Singh Hayer and Tarsem Singh Purewal, connected to the Air India Flight 182 bombing, underscore the intricate nexus between gangs and political violence.
India 12-May-2024
Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi, Congress candidate from Patiala in Punjab, is advocating for the legalization of opium cultivation in Punjab as a solution to the state's drug menace. Gandhi, a cardiologist, argues that regulated opium cultivation will increase farmers' income and combat the use of synthetic drugs like "chitta." He contends that banning drugs has led to the proliferation of more harmful substances like cocaine, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. He proposes regulated access to traditional intoxicants like opium and poppy husk as a safer alternative to synthetic drugs, emphasizing the failure of previous anti-drug campaigns.
India 12-May-2024
On May 12, Pro-Khalistan graffiti and slogans against Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi were discovered on the pillars of Karol Bagh and Jhandewalan Metro stations in New Delhi. The Delhi Police swiftly removed the graffiti and filed a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident, while also requesting CCTV footage from the metro stations. The slogans were attributed to supporters of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
India 12-May-2024
In the current Lok Sabha elections in Punjab, the focus has shifted from drug addiction to the menace of drug-dispensing drones reportedly originating from Pakistan. Political rhetoric, once centered around combating drug addiction, now emphasizes cross-border smuggling and the need for a robust government to address the issue. While Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) nominee Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal avoids drug-related statements, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu vows to curb smuggling with United States (US)-inspired medical treatments. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) nominee Anil Joshi highlights the AAP-led government's failure to uproot addiction despite promises. Data from the Border Security Force (BSF) underscores increased drone activity and heroin seizures, indicating evolving tactics by Pakistan-based operatives, marking a departure from previous elections where drug addiction was a prominent political issue.
India 12-May-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate police on May 12 arrested 10 more drug peddlers and seized INR 84.78 lakh in drug money and 500 grams of heroin from their possession in Jalandhar district, related to a case involving 48 kg of heroin. The police revealed that the kingpin, Turkey-based Navpreet Singh, led the syndicate with operations extending across Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Canada. Earlier, three family members associated with the syndicate were arrested, exposing a complex network smuggling drugs via routes in Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
India 12-May-2024
On May 12, international drug smuggler Gurpreet Singh alias Gopa, wanted in multiple cases, was shot dead near Wadala Chowk in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district, Punjab.
India 13-May-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) on May 13 arrested five shooters associated with notorious gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Rohit Godara, identified as Dinesh, Pradeep, Jagdish and Vishnu, and seized five automatic pistols and 55 cartridges from their possession, in Farrukhnagar in Gurugram district in Haryana. Dinesh, who was initially arrested on May 11, revealed the whereabouts of the other four shooters. They were subsequently arrested on May 13 from Abohar, Fazilka district, Punjab. The shooters were allegedly planning serious crimes in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab.
Canada 13-May-2024
According to sources, the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was likely due to gang rivalry among Khalistani groups, rather than Indian involvement. This conflict involved Khalistani terror outfits such as the Khalistani Tiger Force (KTF), Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), and Dashmesh Gurudwara Surrey, all reportedly receiving support from Pakistan. Sources also suggest that Pakistani groups spread false propaganda blaming India for Nijjar's death.
India 13-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 13 intercepted a drone and recovered one packet of heroin weighing 560 grams along with the drone from fields near Ratankhurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was identified as a Quadcopter, Model DJI Mavic 3 Classic, manufactured in China.
India 13-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 13 recovered a drone from a dry well in Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic made in China.
India 13-May-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, speaking at the Constitution Club in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on May 13, stated that India has not received any actionable evidence from Canada regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He affirmed that India remains open to investigation if Canada provides relevant information.
India 14-May-2024
In a joint operation, the Counter-Intelligence (CI) unit of Bathinda and the district police on May 14 arrested three operatives of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), identified as Gogi Singh, Johny Singh, and Pritpal Singh and recovered three mobile phones, two dongles, an ATM card, and an Aadhaar card from their possession in Bathinda district. These arrests followed investigations that linked the individuals to pro-Khalistan graffiti slogans found in various public places in Bathinda, Punjab, and Delhi. Gogi Singh, identified as a key operative, was in constant communication with SFJ leader and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Canada 14-May-2024
The three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, accused of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, made their first video appearance in a Canadian court facing homicide charges in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The court session attracted hundreds of Khalistan supporters, who protested with slogans and placards blaming the Indian government for Nijjar's death. Brar and Karanpreet Singh are set to appear again on May 21, while a new date for Kamalpreet Singh's appearance is pending as he is seeking legal representation.
India 14-May-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on May 14 dismantled a terror module operated by foreign-based mastermind Iqbalpreet Singh alias Buchi, arresting four module members identified as Gurwinder Singh alias Shera, Gurpreet Singh, Ranjit Singh alias Sonu, and Jagjit Singh alias Jashan and seizing three pistols, 13 live cartridges, and a car from their possession near Liberty Chowk in Rajpura, SAS Nagar district. Police disclosed that Gurwinder Singh, previously arrested in 2022 for plotting target killings, had reassembled under Iqbalpreet Singh's guidance to plan new criminal activities in Punjab. Iqbalpreet Singh was linked to the late Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and another Khalistani terrorist, Ramandeep Bagga alias Canadian, a key perpetrator in multiple target killings, currently incarcerated in Tihar Jail in Delhi.
India 14-May-2024
In the 60 days following the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for India's ongoing general election, the Border Security Force (BSF) has either taken down or recovered 49 drones along the India-Pakistan international border. Most of these drones, predominantly of Chinese origin, were intercepted in Punjab, with a few in Rajasthan. This significant increase, 13 times more than in 2022, highlights an ongoing security threat, as drones are being utilized for smuggling drugs and weapons across the border from Pakistan. Despite the efforts of security agencies like the BSF and local police, the challenge persists, emphasizing the necessity for sustained vigilance.
India 15-May-2024
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on May 15 accepted the nomination of jailed Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, for the general election in the Khadoor Sahib seat in Tarn Taran district, Punjab. Despite being incarcerated in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, under the National Security Act (NSA) since April 2023, Singh filed his nomination as an independent candidate on May 10.
Canada 15-May-2024
On May 15, Amandeep Singh, the fourth accused in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, made his first appearance in a provincial court in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Singh, already in custody in Ontario on unrelated firearms charges, appeared virtually as a crowd gathered outside to protest India's alleged involvement in Nijjar's death.
India 15-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 15 intercepted the movement of a drone and recovered a packet of heroin weighing 550 grams along with a small drone near Havelian village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model, made in China.
India 15-May-2024
To ensure peaceful polling in Punjab, authorities have mobilized approximately 64,000 police officers and 225 companies of Central forces. Special Director General of Police (DGP), Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, announced that 25 companies of Central forces have been deployed since May 15, with additional units en route.
India 15-May-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on May 15 arrested notorious gangster Gourav Kapila alias Kapila, associated with the Vicky Gounder gang and seized five pistols from his possession in Jalandhar, Jalandhar district. Kapila, a prime suspect in a shooting incident during a birthday party in March 2024, was arrested following a complaint by Sunny, alias Kaka, who alleged that Kapila and his associates fired shots, severely injuring him.
India 15-May-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has recently taken charge of the probe into the targeted killing of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga, which took place on April 13 in Nangal town in Rupnagar district of Punjab. Sources reveal that the assassination was orchestrated by Pakistan-based masterminds operating through terror networks in Portugal, Germany, and Dubai.
India 15-May-2024
Following the Punjab and Haryana High Court's inquiry into the protocol for granting armed licenses, Justice Harkesh Manuja on May 15 requested Punjab's Director-General of Police (DGP) to join the proceedings via video conferencing due to the failure to file a comprehensive affidavit by the next hearing date. The court sought comprehensive data on arms glorification on social media platforms, including FIRs registered and actions taken in the last five years.
India 15-May-2024
Panthic politics in Punjab has taken an unpredictable turn with the Election Commission of India (ECI) accepting the nomination of jailed Khalistani preacher and Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief, Amritpal Singh, as an independent candidate for the Khadoor Sahib constituency in Tarn Taran district, Punjab. While Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar (SAD-A) is backing him, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has criticized the move, questioning Amritpal's intentions and alleged influence by Central agencies. This area has a history of supporting hardliners.
India 15-May-2024
Police on May 15 arrested an associate of Canada-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh Landa and United States (US)-based gangster Gurdev Singh Jassal, identified as Sharanjit Singh alias Sunny and seized six pistols and 20 live cartridges from his possession in Tarn Taran district. Sunny, the main weapon supplier for the Landa gang, was involved in smuggling arms from Madhya Pradesh (MP) to Punjab. This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation that has so far led to the seizure of 13 illegal weapons and 30 live cartridges, linking Sunny to criminal activities including extortion and murder.
India 16-May-2024
Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued a threat to disrupt the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab and announced a reward of INR 1 lakh for raising Khalistan flags on June 1. He has also announced the allocation of USD 11 million for campaigning for a Khalistan Referendum in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi during the 2024 elections.
India 16-May-2024
Former National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director-General Dinkar Gupta, who retired as Punjab Police Director-General of Police (DGP) in April 2024, has been granted 'Z-plus' category VIP security by the Centre due to threats from pro-Khalistan elements. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) VIP security wing will deploy approximately 40 personnel in shifts to protect him in Punjab and Delhi. This decision follows a threat perception report from central intelligence and security agencies, emphasizing his work against pro-Khalistan activities.
India 16-May-2024
Since the amendment of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has seized 403 properties related to suspected terrorists until May 16, 2024. The highest number of properties were attached in Jharkhand (206) linked to left-wing extremism (LWE), and 100 properties in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) associated with terrorists and separatist leaders. Properties related to pro-Khalistan elements and other terrorist activities were also seized in cities like Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Delhi.
India 17-May-2024
Amritpal Singh, the Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), is running for the Khadoor Sahib seat in Tarn Taran district, Punjab, from jail in Dibrugarh, Assam. Sources indicate he enjoys significant local support despite his contentious history. His campaign centers on tackling drug abuse, eliciting varied reactions. While some support his initiatives, others, cautious of his separatist stance, perceive him as a peace risk. Political analysts note the tension between his electoral involvement and Khalistani separatist goals.
India 17-May-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently expressed concern over the rampant growth of wild cannabis plants in the Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali (Tricity) area, facilitating drug peddling. The court has directed the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to submit reports on their actions to control this growth. Emphasizing the adverse effects on youth, the court has issued notices to state authorities, requiring them to explain their measures by May 20.
India 17-May-2024
On May 17, a sharpshooter from the Himanshu alias Bhau gang, identified as Ajay alias Goli, opened fire at the Delhi Police’s Special Cell team and later succumbed to injuries in Rohini, North West Delhi. His criminal record is linked to a series of heinous acts, including a broad daylight murder in Murthal, Sonipat, and a recent firing incident in West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar area. Goli, a close aide of gangster Himanshu alias Bhau, operated under his command, engaging in various criminal activities across Delhi and Haryana. His demise marks a significant blow to the notorious criminal network led by Bhau, who remains a fugitive orchestrating operation from abroad.
United States 18-May-2024
According to reports, Khalistani operative Kamal Singh Soorma was recently apprehended by United States (US) police with 50 kilograms of cocaine valued at USD 1.5 million. The arrest, captured on video, shows Soorma feigning unconsciousness twice in a failed escape attempt. Sources suggest that this cocaine trail is connected to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its funding of anti-India activities.
India 18-May-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) released its poll manifesto on May 18 in Jalandhar, Punjab, pledging to seek the transfer of Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan to India through mutual land exchange and to push for the elimination of passport requirements for pilgrims. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also committed to fighting for Chandigarh's inclusion in Punjab and opposing the Centre's decisions on river waters without Punjab's consent. The manifesto also advocated for opening borders with Pakistan for trade and tourism, securing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status for border areas, and addressing discrimination against Sikhs and other minorities.
India 18-May-2024
Police on May 18 arrested one person, identified as Amritpal Singh Palli and seized 55 grams of heroin and INR 8 lakh from his possession in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, Punjab. Police reported that Amritpal had been a fugitive in a drug smuggling case for 11 years and was involved in drug trafficking with associates Rocky Mental and Chhinda Sandeep alias Deepa. Police are now investigating his network and supply sources.
India 18-May-2024
On May 18, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, directed Sikhs to observe Gallughara Week from June 1 to June 6, 2024, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star and honor those killed. The directive includes offering prayers at every Gurdwara on June 6, holding Gurmat ceremonies, and displaying exhibitions of photographs depicting the atrocities committed by the Indian government. This decision was made during a meeting of five Sikh high priests at the Akal Takht secretariat.
United States 18-May-2024
Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan, while speaking to a delegation from the American-Punjabi Society in the United States (US), affirmed that Pakistan will continue to provide all possible facilities to the Sikh community worldwide for visiting their religious places in the country.
India 18-May-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on May 18 released its poll manifesto in Jalandhar, emphasising that "Panthic principles would stand above politics". New proposals included reserving jobs for Punjabi youth, developing special economic hubs, and opposing the uniform civil code (UCC) and Agniveer scheme. The manifesto reiterated long-standing issues such as including Chandigarh in Punjab, cancelling river water settlements, and opening trade with Pakistan.
India 19-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 19 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 575 grams from farming fields near Dhanoe kalan village in Amritsar district.
India 19-May-2024
Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, was assigned the 'mike' as his election symbol for the June 1 elections, where he is contesting as an independent candidate from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat in Tarn Taran district, Punjab. Singh, currently jailed in Dibrugarh, Assam, was arrested in April 2023 under the National Security Act (NSA) after a 36-day manhunt.
India 19-May-2024
Amritsar (Rural) police on May 19 arrested an individual, identified as Kirpal Singh and seized 598 grams of heroin from his possession near Rorawala Kalan village in Amritsar district, Punjab. The police stated that Kirpal was intercepted based on a tip-off, revealing his involvement in receiving contraband smuggled from Pakistan via drones.
India 19-May-2024
Ravneet Singh Bittu, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and three-time Congress Member of Parliament (MP), on May 19 while campaigning in Ludhiana, warned that electing pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, currently jailed in Assam, would threaten peace in Punjab. Bittu, the grandson of assassinated former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, emphasized that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are crucial for maintaining peace and urged Punjabis to vote against separatist elements to ensure stability in the region.
India 20-May-2024
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on May 20 scheduled the 1984 Pul Bangash Sikh killings case for clarification on May 30 after hearing arguments on framing charges. The case involves the alleged killing of three Sikhs by a mob incited by Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Tytler's lawyer questioned the credibility of the new eyewitnesses, while the CBI emphasized that there is sufficient evidence to frame charges.
India 20-May-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, incited Punjab's farmers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a video, offering USD 100,000 to stop his convoy in Punjab. Pannun urged farmers of Punjab to block roads and airport routes and emphasized Punjab's desire for independence from India. Pannun said “Narendra Modi should not be allowed to speak here… He needs to be made aware that this is Punjab, which wants independence from India… The enemy is coming into the house, there will be an answer in the house”. PM Modi is scheduled to campaign for the Lok Sabha election in the Patiala, Gurdaspur, and Jalandhar districts of Punjab on May 23-24.
India 20-May-2024
The special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Mohali recently framed charges against ten people under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab. The case originated from the April 2020 arrest of Hilal Ahmed and the seizure of funds linked to narcotics intended for terrorist activities.
India 20-May-2024
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on May 20 busted a gang reportedly involved in making fake passports and documents for hardcore criminals in Punjab to help them flee abroad by arresting three men identified as Jagjeet Singh alias Jeeta alias Sonu, Mohammad Shazeb Abid alias Shazeb alias Sajid, and Mohammad Kaif, from Urban Estate Phase 1 in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. The Police arrested Jagjeet first, and based on information provided by him, arrested Mohammad Shazeb Abid and Mohammad Kaif from Delhi. The gang assisted around 20 criminals, such as gangster Gopi Nawanshahria, who escaped to Poland, and others who fled to the United States (US) and Canada. Using counterfeit visas and a clandestine route through Bangladesh, they facilitated the smooth transit of these criminals to European countries.
India 20-May-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet on May 20 before the NIA Special Court in New Delhi against Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) chief Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala, and his three associates, identified as Harjeet Singh alias Harry Maur, Ravinder Singh alias Rajvinder Singh alias Harry Rajpura, and Rajeev Kumar alias Sheela, for their involvement in a terror-gangster syndicate operating in Delhi, Punjab, and other states. The three associates were implicated in targeted killings and logistical support, with plans to execute terror attacks on Dala's instructions. The charge sheet was filed following their arrests between November 2023 and January 2024.
India 21-May-2024
Recently, images have surfaced showing leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorists, linked to a funding deal in Canada. Sources revealed that Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan met BKI leaders and secured over USD 5 million for AAP in exchange for leniency towards Khalistan activists during a meeting held in September 2022 in Montreal, Canada. Sources also disclosed that Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal addressed BKI leaders over the phone during the meeting. CNN-News18 reported this deal, as well as previous claims by Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, that AAP received USD 16 million from Khalistani groups for election funding between 2014 and 2022. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to investigate these allegations soon.
India 21-May-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued threats via a video to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha election candidates Ravneet Bittu and Hans Raj Hans over their remarks on the farmers' protests, warning of violent retaliation. He invoked Bittu's grandfather, former Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, emphasizing that in Punjab, "murder is avenged by murder." Pannun's message was clear: if even one farmer is murdered, the revenge will be murder.
India 21-May-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated an investigation into allegations that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal received political funding from the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), following a recommendation by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. An Enforcement Directorate (ED) note from October 2022 to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) also pointed out AAP's alleged violations of foreign funding laws, mentioning USD 16 million in donations associated with efforts to secure the release of 1993 Delhi bomb blast convict Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar.
India 21-May-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint search operation with the Punjab Police on May 21, raided the house of drug smuggler Jaswinder Singh Kaka and seized 3.124 kg of heroin, two electronic weighing scales, INR 3 lakh in cash, one .30 calibre pistol, six magazines, and 108 rounds of 9 mm calibre, along with 3 rounds of .30 calibre, in Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district
India 21-May-2024
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) in Mohali on May 21 busted an inter-state illegal firearm smuggling ring, apprehending two gangsters identified as Amritpal Singh alias Amrit and Sukhwant Singh along with six .32 bore pistols and four live rounds at Rajpura bus stand in Rajpura, Patiala district. Further investigation revealed the duo's acquisition of these weapons from a trafficker based in Madhya Pradesh (MP) for INR 80,000.
India 21-May-2024
Punjab’s former Director General of Police (DGP), Viresh Kumar Bhawra, on May 21 filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) alleging pressure to engage in illegal activities, including the registration of cases against public figures. He claimed coercion to relinquish his post after the current government assumed power in March 2022, challenging his removal as DGP under the guise of a transfer, which he argues violates Supreme Court precedent. Bhawra's petition, represented by senior advocate DS Patwalia, also names the incumbent DGP Gaurav Yadav among the respondents. The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 4.
Canada 21-May-2024
On May 21, three Indian nationals, Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh, accused of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, appeared in a Canadian court in Surrey, British Columbia. Outside the courthouse, hundreds of pro-Khalistan supporters carrying Khalistan flags and chanting slogans demonstrated.
Canada 21-May-2024
Three Indian nationals, identified as Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, and Karanpreet Singh, accused of killing Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar appeared in person for the first time in the British Columbia (BC) Provincial Court in Surrey, Canada on May 21. A fourth accused, Amandeep Singh, appeared via video link. The judge ordered them to have no contact with several community members.
India 22-May-2024
On May 22, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally, pro-Khalistan graffiti was found sprayed on the wall of the old Patiala bus stand flyover in Patiala district despite heavy police deployment. The slogans "Khalistan Zindabad" and "SFJ" were discovered in the morning and promptly painted over by police. Authorities are investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the vandals.
Czech Republic 22-May-2024
The Czech Constitutional Court in Brno on May 22 ruled that Indian national Nikhil Gupta, arrested for a murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, can be extradited to the United States (US). Czech Minister of Justice Pavel Blazek will make the final decision on the extradition.
India 22-May-2024
According to District Electoral Officer (DEO) Aashika Jain, on May 22, the district administration in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, reported the seizure of drugs, cash, and other valuables worth INR 10 crore since the enforcement of the model code of conduct.
India 22-May-2024
Candidates from all four main political parties contesting the Gurdaspur parliamentary seat recently expressed a unified stance on eradicating the drone menace, despite ideological differences. Pakistani actors frequently use drones to smuggle high-purity heroin into border villages in Gurdaspur, severely impacting local youth. Congress candidate Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Sherry Kalsi, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Dinesh Singh Babbu, and Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) Daljit Singh Cheema all emphasized the urgent need to develop and deploy effective anti-drone systems to combat this issue.
India 22-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 22 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 530 grams from a farming field near Ratankhurd village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
India 22-May-2024
Balkaur Singh, father of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, expressed his sole campaign cause as seeking "justice" for his slain son during an interview with The Tribune while campaigning in Shahkot, Jalandhar district. Throughout his speeches, he emphasized his son's case and lamented the government's inaction in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Despite his lack of oratory skills, he stands on stage out of helplessness, urging support for the Congress candidate Charanjit Singh Channi, citing the deteriorating law and order situation and the prevalence of gangsters.
Czech Republic 23-May-2024
On May 23, a spokesperson for the Czech Ministry of Justice stated to The Indian Express that Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta’s extradition will now be decided “expeditiously, without undue delay,” a day after the Czech Constitutional Court rejected his plea against extradition to the United States for allegedly plotting to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Canada 23-May-2024
According to a CBC News report, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has warned Hardeep Malik, son of Ripudaman Singh Malik who was acquitted in connection with the Air India bombing of 1985, about potential threats to his life following Ripudaman's murder in 2022. The RCMP is investigating possible Indian government involvement in Ripudaman's assassination, similar to allegations in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite these suspicions, India denies any involvement, and conclusive evidence remains lacking.
India 23-May-2024
Former chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Karnal Lok Sabha, Manohar Lal Khattar, on May 23, while addressing the media in Karnal district, Haryana, criticized farmers' protestors against his government, claiming they are neither true Sikhs nor farmers, and condemned their actions during protests. Reacting to his remarks, the spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Sir Chotu Ram), Bahadur Mehla, defended their right to protest and criticized the government's unfulfilled promises and past actions against farmers.
India 23-May-2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while addressing an election rally in Patiala district on May 23, accused the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of being two sides of the same coin and responsible for rampant corruption and the flourishing drug industry in Punjab. He claimed that the state is dominated by resource mafia, drug mafia, and shooter gangs, and has become debt-ridden under their rule.
India 23-May-2024
Minutes before he was shot near Wadala Chowk in Jalandhar on May 12, drug lord Gurpreet Gopa received a call from the United States (US), according to his family. Gopa, wanted in connection with a 2019 heroin smuggling case involving 532 kilograms of heroin, had been hiding in and around Jalandhar for months, living under a false identity. Despite being a prime suspect in the smuggling case, he managed to evade arrest until his murder, which remains unsolved as of yet.
India 23-May-2024
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police on May 23 arrested 12 members of a gang allegedly linked to those who supplied firearms to the killers of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and seized seven country-made .32 bore pistols and 10 cartridges, as well as five country-made .315 bore firearms and five cartridges from their possession in Bulandshahr district in UP. The arrested accused revealed their involvement in purchasing firearms from Bilal and Rizwan of Khurja, Bulandshahr, and supplying them to criminal gangs in Delhi, NCR, Punjab, and Haryana. Efforts are underway to apprehend Bilal and Rizwan, who are also being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for their alleged role in supplying firearms to Moose Wala's killers.
India 23-May-2024
Ahead of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's visit to Patiala on May 23, several farmer organizations have announced protests, including road blockades and sit-ins in Patiala district. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political) and other SKM factions plan to march with black flags and block entry points to Patiala, while the Bharti Kisan Union (BKU) (Ekta-Ugrahan) plans to protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The police have set up barricades to control the movement of protesters.
India 23-May-2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, on May 23 in Jalandhar, countered allegations that Amritpal Singh, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and contesting elections as an independent candidate from Khadoor Sahib, is a BJP prodigy. Shergill emphasized that neither the BJP nor Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi have a history of supporting anti-social elements, highlighting their efforts to reduce terror in Kashmir and the North East. He expressed confidence that PM Modi's visit to Punjab would positively impact the BJP's prospects in the upcoming elections, asserting that the BJP's dominance will significantly increase in Punjab.
India 23-May-2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Patiala district on May 23, commented on Pakistan’s Kartarpur Sahib, suggesting that if he had been in power during the 1971 Bangladesh war, he would have negotiated its transfer from Pakistan in exchange for returning Pakistani soldiers. The Kartarpur corridor, opened in 2019, allows visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan.
India 24-May-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on May 24 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 400 grams from fields near Rorawala Kalan village in Amritsar district.
Canada 24-May-2024
According to reports, Canada’s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) has informed the Indian High Commission about the arrest of four Indian nationals in connection with the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The arrested men—Karan Brar, Kamalpreet Singh, Karanpreet Singh, and Amandeep Singh—have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. While IHIT has provided the men with legal counsel, it is up to them if they wish to speak to Indian authorities.
India 24-May-2024
France-based Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Iqbal Singh Bhatti visited Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena on May 24 to deny involvement in Khalistani funding for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Bhatti, a social worker who runs Aurore Dawn in France, asserted that he had no connection to the funding allegations and provided documents supporting his claims. He mentioned his history of social service, including organizing a rally for Prime Minister (PM) Modi in Paris. Previously, Bhatti had received a letter from AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in 2014 regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the release of Sikhs imprisoned for decades.
India 24-May-2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Gurdaspur district on May 24, criticized the Congress over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, accusing it of allowing the "massacre of Sikhs" and protecting the rioters, while he ensured that the guilty were punished. He further criticized the Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, claiming they instigated separatism and sheltered rioters, thus disturbing communal harmony in Punjab.
India 25-May-2024
The crime branch of the Chandigarh Police on May 25 arrested three members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Ravinder Singh, Karan Kapoor, and Javed Jhinjha for allegedly planning a major crime in Chandigarh. The suspects were using virtual numbers and mobile applications to communicate and are also suspected of aiding shooters in the April 14 firing outside actor Salman Khan's house in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The police revealed that the arrests followed secret information received on May 18 about the gang members' presence in Chandigarh.
India 25-May-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, in an interview, expressed skepticism about jailed Khalistani preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, who announced his candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib constituency in Tarn Taran district. Badal questioned Amritpal's sudden shift to radical politics, his interactions with the police, and his ties with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionaries. He emphasized that while the SAD respects political diversity, it remains critical of Amritpal's actions and their implications for the Khalsa Panth and Punjab.