KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 17-Sep-2024
A Chandigarh court has issued notices to Member of Parliament (MP) and actress Kangana Ranaut, along with others, in a criminal complaint filed by Ravinder Singh Bassi, president of Lawyers for Humanity, alleging that her movie Emergency maligns the image of Sikhs and misrepresents facts. The court has scheduled the hearing for December 5, 2024.
India 17-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on September 17 recovered a packet containing 545 grams of heroin from near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
India 18-Sep-2024
The Delhi High Court on September 18 rejected the bail plea of United Kingdom (UK) resident and Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Johal, who is accused of funding the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and involvement in targeted killings in Punjab. The court cited Johal's association with other conspirators and his role in funding arms procurement, categorizing the offences as serious with 'trans-national links' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
India 18-Sep-2024
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, via a video message on September 18, 2024, questioned the Congress for not condemning Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's support of Rahul Gandhi’s recent statement on Sikhs in India and accused the party of aligning with anti-national elements.
India 18-Sep-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on September 18 questioned the Punjab and central governments, as well as Dibrugarh jail authorities, regarding the extension of the National Security Act (NSA) against Khalistani radical preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh and his associate, actor Daljeet Kalsi. The court has requested all relevant records to be presented at the next hearing on October 3.
India 18-Sep-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, while speaking at a centenary congregation at Gurdwara Sri Baoli Sahib in Sri Goindwal Sahib, Tarn Taran district, on September 18, criticized Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann for not declaring a holiday in Punjab on the occasion of Gurgaddi Diwas of Guru Ramdas and Joti Jot Diwas of Guru Amardas.
India 18-Sep-2024
Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Som Parkash, via the social media site X on September 18, urged actress and Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut to refrain from making unnecessary comments against the Sikh community, stating that such remarks hurt their sentiments.
India 18-Sep-2024
The Ludhiana police on September 18 busted a gang of robbers, arresting seven of its members and seizing 68 mobile phones, one toy pistol, two motorcycles, two sharp weapons, and five baseball bats from their possession in Ludhiana district. The arrests followed a police complaint by Manpreet Singh, who reported being attacked and robbed by a group of around 15 youths armed with sharp weapons. The police are actively working to identify and apprehend the remaining gang members.
India 18-Sep-2024
According to reports, Punjab's heroin crisis is worsening, driven by the increasing use of drones for smuggling, often with support from Pakistani state actors. Independent analyst Antariksh Singh highlighted the scale and sophistication of these operations, with drones now playing a major role in narcotics drops near the International Border. Despite efforts such as forming Village Defence Committees (VDCs) and deploying a Drone Emergency Response System (DERS), the crisis persists, with smugglers using encrypted communication and hawala transactions to evade authorities. Singh emphasized that until security agencies target the middlemen, the heroin epidemic will continue to devastate Punjab.
India 18-Sep-2024
Punjab Police on September 18 arrested one person, identified as Jagroop Singh, and seized 5 kg of heroin, two phones, and his motorcycle from his possession in Vaniye Ke village, Ajnala, in Amritsar district. Acting on a tip-off, police teams apprehended Jagroop, who was allegedly en route to deliver the drugs.
India 18-Sep-2024
Punjab Police on September 18 recovered 5 kg of heroin and a hexacopter from fields near Manjh village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
India 18-Sep-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on September 18 condemned the misuse of police protection as a status symbol, emphasizing that state security should be reserved for individuals facing genuine, verifiable threats. The court highlighted that resources should be allocated judiciously to address broader societal issues, particularly in Punjab, a border state facing significant challenges from illegal activities and smuggling.
India 19-Sep-2024
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated in New Delhi on September 19 that during the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and United States (US) President Joe Biden, all issues of mutual concern would be discussed. While he did not confirm whether the Khalistan issue would be specifically raised, he emphasized that a wide range of topics would be covered in the talks.
India 19-Sep-2024
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in New Delhi on September 19, strongly rejected the lawsuit filed by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States (US), labelling it as 'unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations' against the Indian government. Misri reaffirmed India’s position on Pannun, highlighting his links to the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) organization, which is designated as a terrorist group under Indian law. He emphasized that the lawsuit does not alter India’s stance on Pannun or his activities.
India 19-Sep-2024
The Akal Takht, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) recently condemned actor and Member of Parliament (MP) Kangana Ranaut’s remarks against Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, labelling her upcoming film “Emergency” as anti-Sikh. Kangana Ranaut stated, 'Ninety-nine percent of the people of Punjab don’t consider Bhindranwale a saint; he was a terrorist… sitting with an AK-47 in a temple.'
India 19-Sep-2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravneet Singh Bittu stated in New Delhi on September 19 that he would not apologize for calling Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi a 'number 1 terrorist,' asserting that the Gandhi family was responsible for burning Punjab and causing the loss of generations. He expressed his pain as a Sikh and claimed that Gandhi's comments on the Sikh community were supported by Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been designated a terrorist in India.
India 19-Sep-2024
The global anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on September 19 awarded India the highest rating in its Mutual Evaluation Report, recognizing the country’s strong anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) framework. The report highlighted serious terrorism and terrorist financing threats from groups like ISIL and Al-Qaeda, urging India to conclude prosecutions and appropriately sanction terrorist financiers. It also commended India’s financial inclusion efforts while advising improvements in addressing money laundering cases and implementing preventive measures in certain sectors.
India 19-Sep-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) emphasized the urgent need to address the escalating gangster culture in Punjab, highlighting the threats posed by extortion rackets and the erosion of public trust in the justice system. The court noted a spike in extortion cases following a controversial interview with Bishnoi, urging swift action against gang activities to restore societal order. It also condemned the media's portrayal of gangsters, warning that it fosters a dangerous sense of impunity among youth, and called for stringent law enforcement to dismantle criminal enterprises.
India 19-Sep-2024
Sources in the Delhi police on September 19 revealed that gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has launched online gaming apps operated from Dubai, enlisting the help of major bookies in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. Bishnoi, an accused in the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, is using the gaming business to invest black money and has delegated various operational responsibilities to close associates. A businessman based in Dubai is running the app under Bishnoi's instructions, while Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara handle its promotion. Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Sabarmati jail in Gujarat, and his younger brother Anmol is managing gang-related matters abroad.
India 19-Sep-2024
According to sources in the Punjab Police, the hand grenade and RDX used in the September 11 explosion in Chandigarh were military-grade equipment smuggled from Pakistan using a drone. This has raised concerns about the persistent use of drones by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and terrorist operatives to smuggle arms and drugs across the Punjab border. The attack was masterminded by ISI-backed terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and United States (US)-based gangster Happy Passia, who utilized drones to drop the weapons. Despite efforts to combat this threat, Punjab has witnessed around 1,100 drone sightings since March 2022, with the Border Security Force (BSF) shooting down 150 drones.
United States 19-Sep-2024
The White House on September 19 met with a group of Sikh organizations, including the American Sikh Caucus Committee, Sikh Coalition, and Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), marking the first official engagement with Khalistan sympathizers, in Washington, D.C., United States (US). The meeting occurred ahead of Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's US visit, amidst growing concerns over the shelter provided to separatist elements in North America. Initiated by the White House, the meeting assured Sikh Americans of "protection from any transnational aggression on its soil." Notably, SALDEF has supported Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and accused India of his killing.
United States 20-Sep-2024
Khalistani activist Pritpal Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, expressed his gratitude to United States (US) officials via the social media site X on September 20 for their vigilance in protecting Sikh Americans. This followed a White House meeting on September 19 with pro-Khalistan activists, including representatives from the Sikh Coalition and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), where US officials assured them protection from any “transnational aggression” on American soil.
India 20-Sep-2024
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on September 20 raided the residence of a factory worker identified as Kulwant Singh, who shared pro-Khalistan content on social media, and questioned him about the material he read and listened to in Bilaspur village, Moga district. He was not served any notice.
Canada 20-Sep-2024
A recently released report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) flagged India and China for alleged interference in Canada’s domestic politics by influencing diaspora communities and supporting pro-Government of India (GoI) candidates with illicit funding and disinformation campaigns. The report also claimed that India is actively involved in undermining support for the Khalistan movement and views its supporters as a threat to domestic stability. Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma denied these allegations and demanded evidence from Canada.
India 20-Sep-2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and vice-president of the BJP's Varanasi Mahanagar unit, Ashok Kumar, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community during his recent visit to the United States (US), at the Sigra police station in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Kumar accused Gandhi of making comments that undermine the country's integrity and of making remarks about reservation.
India 20-Sep-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on September 20 conducted searches related to a case involving Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), and seized incriminating materials, including digital devices, from four locations: one in Moga, two in Bathinda, and one in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, Punjab.
India 20-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in collaboration with the Punjab Police, conducted a search operation on September 20, recovering five small packets of heroin weighing 2.838 kg and one motorcycle from the outskirts of Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The operation was initiated after two individuals on a motorcycle fled when signaled to stop by BSF troops at a checkpoint.
India 20-Sep-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently revealed the extensive criminal network of Satwinder Singh alias Goldy Brar through a chargesheet filed in Chandigarh. Brar, designated as an "Individual Terrorist" by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), currently faces 54 cases in Punjab and Haryana. The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently emphasized the societal threat posed by gangster culture, particularly extortion rackets, while rejecting the bail plea of an accused member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
United Kingdom 20-Sep-2024
In a September 20 broadcast on United Kingdom (UK)-based MATV, the Gurdwara MiriPiri program strongly condemned Pakistan-sponsored pro-Khalistan elements, particularly Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The anchors criticized Pannun's legal actions against India as publicity stunts, questioned his alignment with Pakistani interests, and pointed out his neglect of key Sikh issues. They called for greater financial transparency, more support for the families of Sikh martyrs, and condemned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) silence on religious matters, stressing the importance of preserving Sikh identity.
India 20-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in an intelligence-based operation on September 20, recovered a large hexacopter drone near Bharopal village in Amritsar district. Authorities received inputs about the drone's movement near the international border, prompting an intensive search operation that led to the recovery.
India 21-Sep-2024
The CIA-2 of the Police Commissionerate on September 21 arrested two persons, identified as Jatin Sidhu and his juvenile accomplice, and seized 100 grams of heroin from their possession, in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. Jatin was reportedly supplying heroin to clients in the city, with the teenager assisting in retail distribution.
India 21-Sep-2024
The Anti-Narcotics Cell of Ludhiana Police on September 21 arrested a woman, identified as Janki Kanojia and seized 30 kg of poppy husk from her possession in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
India 21-Sep-2024
Rahul Gandhi defended his remarks made in the United States (US) regarding the Sikh community on September 21 via the social media site X, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading lies and attempting to silence him. He questioned whether there was anything wrong in advocating for every Sikh's right to practice their religion freely and without fear.
India 21-Sep-2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Gandhi on September 21, accusing him of defending his comments instead of apologizing and claiming that he was trying to gain support from the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The BJP also cited a joint statement from several Sikh organizations asking Gandhi to withdraw his comments, which they claimed had created an atmosphere of fear.
India 21-Sep-2024
A delegation of Sikh committees and organizations met with Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on September 21 in New Delhi, demanding that Rahul Gandhi retract his recent remarks suggesting that Sikhs are restricted in practicing their faith in India. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also criticized Gandhi's statements, warning that they were creating fear and recalling similar rhetoric used before the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
India 21-Sep-2024
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Punjab Police, in a joint operation with a central agency on September 21, busted a major drug-trafficking syndicate, arresting 10 individuals and seizing 1 kg of heroin, 381 grams of charas, three pistols (including one sophisticated Glock pistol), 62 live cartridges, two empty shells, INR 48.7 lakh in drug money, 262 grams of gold, and electronic devices in Chandigarh. The police revealed that the suspects were operating the drug network in the Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Ludhiana districts of Punjab and were sending money to Pakistan-based smugglers via hawala after smuggling drugs across the border.
India 22-Sep-2024
The Sadar police on September 22 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Labbu and seized INR 53,000 drug money and a mobile phone from his possession, in Kalasia Khurd village in Tarn Taran district in Punjab. The suspect, linked to Pakistan-based smugglers, reportedly smuggled contraband into India using drones. The police are investigating his network and have sent his mobile phone for forensic examination.
India 22-Sep-2024
Fazilka police on September 22 arrested an unidentified woman wanted in a five-year-old drug smuggling case near Kamalwala village in Fazilka district. The woman was en route to deliver 10 kg of ganja to Goma Bai, a resident of Kamalwala village, when she was apprehended.
United States 22-Sep-2024
New York Police on September 22 arrested a Khalistani protester and prevented a group from breaching a designated Free Speech Zone to disrupt Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's community event in Nassau County, New York State, United States (US). Police removed provocative banners, including one depicting PM Modi with a sniper scope on his face and others reading 'Target - Enemy of America' and 'Face of India's Hindu Terror.'
United States 22-Sep-2024
On September 22, a group of Khalistani extremists from Canada and the United States (US) gathered to protest against Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in Wilmington, Delaware, US. Among the protesters was Khalistani extremist Bakhshish Sandhu, associated with the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). A journalist questioned Sandhu's medical credentials, as he reportedly graduated from CETEC, a university in the Dominican Republic that was shut down for issuing fake diplomas.
India 22-Sep-2024
Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh on September 22, in an interview to Times of India, endorsed Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Sikh community as "correct," but pointed out that worse had occurred under Congress-led governments. He stated that despite changes in government, Sikhs have faced continuous persecution and hate propaganda.
India 22-Sep-2024
According to officials, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval remained in India to address security concerns related to the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir elections and other domestic issues, dismissing speculation regarding a New York court summons. The summons, issued due to a civil suit by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, coincided with the introduction of the Transnational Repression Reporting Act in the United States (US) Congress, which accuses India of targeting diaspora members.
Pakistan 22-Sep-2024
The two-day commemoration of the 485th Joti Jot anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji concluded at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur in Pakistan on September 22. The event featured a Nagar Kirtan procession to the India-Pakistan border, the unveiling of a statue of Bhai Mardana, and the sowing of seeds under the "Kheti Sahib" initiative.
India 22-Sep-2024
According to sources, the Punjab Police have stated in an affidavit filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh that radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), pose a serious threat to law and order, as well as to the life of Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann. The police referenced video clips in which Amritpal Singh allegedly insinuates that CM Mann could meet the same fate as former CM Beant Singh, who was assassinated. They argued that such inflammatory remarks could incite violence and disrupt public order, justifying the detention of Amritpal Singh and his associates in Dibrugarh jail in Assam.
India 22-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint search operation on September 22, recovered five large packets of suspected heroin weighing 2.840 kg along with a drone near Machharala village in Gurdaspur district. The drone was a China-made DJI Matrice 350 RTK model.
India 22-Sep-2024
On September 22, a man identified as Surinder Singh was brutally attacked after confronting drug peddlers openly selling heroin in the Tobri Mohalla area in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. He claimed that those who opposed the illegal activities faced severe repercussions and revealed that he had previously reported the issue to senior officials, but no action was taken. Surinder, along with his mother and sister-in-law, was injured during the attack.
India 22-Sep-2024
In a two-week operation, the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police dismantled an interstate cartel involved in the illegal trade of weapons and arrested 17 criminals, including gangster Kannu Gujjar, a close associate of gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuriya and seized 1.1 kg of heroin along with 18 weapons and 66 cartridges from their possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
United States 22-Sep-2024
Over 13,000 people gathered, waving both Indian and American flags, to hear Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi addressing the strength of the Indian American community at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York, on September 22. Modi praised the diaspora as 'Bharat's strongest brand ambassadors' and highlighted the growing bond between the US and India.
United States 22-Sep-2024
On September 22, outside the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, New York, where Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was addressing the Indian American community, around 600 protesters from various faiths and communities gathered to criticise Modi's leadership. They expressed concerns over religious intolerance and violence in India under his rule, displaying banners such as 'MODI=HITLER, RSS=KKK,' and labelling him the 'Face of Hindu Terror.' Some Khalistani protesters also struck an effigy of Modi with shoes as part of the demonstration.
United States 23-Sep-2024
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on September 23 released its latest hate crime data, showing a slight decrease in anti-Sikh hate incidents from the all-time high in 2022. However, Sikhs remain the third most-targeted religious group, following Jewish and Muslim communities. The Sikh Coalition expressed concern over the overall rise in hate crimes and the underreporting by local law enforcement, emphasizing the need for improved data collection and policy measures, such as the Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act (IRPHA).
India 23-Sep-2024
The Jalandhar Rural Police on September 23 busted a drug racket being operated from within jail and arrested two individuals for drug smuggling, identified as Amandeep Singh and Mandeep Singh, and seized 3 kg of opium from their possession, near Alawalpur in Jalandhar district. During interrogation, the accused revealed that the drug operation was being coordinated by ringleaders from within the jail.
India 23-Sep-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, in a joint operation on September 23, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 570 grams along with a drone from near Nestha village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
United States 23-Sep-2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on 23 September met several members of the Sikh community in New York in the United States (US), who expressed gratitude for his government’s efforts for Sikhs. Jasdip Singh Jassee from Sikhs of America praised PM Modi for initiatives like the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and justice for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims. Prominent Sikh leader Darshan Singh Dhaliwal also commended Modi’s work for the community.
United States 23-Sep-2024
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on September 23 released a video threatening Indo-American citizens, upset by the massive success of Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s event in the United States (US). Pannun accused them of supporting PM Modi's Hindutva ideology and called for their return to India. His statement came after the failure of anti-Modi protests planned during the PM Modi’s visit.
India 23-Sep-2024
Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah, while addressing a rally in Tohana in Haryana on September 23, criticised Rahul Gandhi for his remarks suggesting Sikhs were not allowed to wear turbans or Kada in India, and reminded Gandhi of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots under Congress rule and urged him to apologise to the Sikh community.
India 23-Sep-2024
The Fazilka police, in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), on September 23, held a meeting with border area villagers and members of village defence committees (VDCs) aiming to curb narcotics smuggling and enhance safety among farmers, especially as infiltration attempts increase during winter at the Joint Check Post Sadiqi, near the International Border (IB) in Fazilka district.
India 23-Sep-2024
On September 23, an inter-state coordination meeting was held between Kaithal and Punjab police to ensure smooth elections and curb cross-border criminal activities, at Cheeka police station in Kaithal in Haryana. The meeting focused on joint efforts to prevent drug, liquor, and arms smuggling, with plans for coordinated patrolling and security checks. Lists of wanted criminals were exchanged, and locals were urged to report any suspicious activities confidentially.
India 24-Sep-2024
Police on September 24 arrested two individuals, identified as Pargat Singh and Kamalpreet Singh alias Babbu, and seized 4 kg of opium along with a truck and a car from their possession near Panjgrain village in Faridkot district.
India 24-Sep-2024
A court on September 24 sentenced drug smuggler Karnail Singh to eight years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of INR 80,000 for possession of 100 grams of intoxicant powder, in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. Despite his claims of false implication, the court upheld the conviction, noting the absence of a complaint to higher authorities and citing a ruling that independent witnesses often refuse to cooperate with the police.
India 24-Sep-2024
The spectre of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a controversial Khalistani militant separatist leader, has resurfaced in Punjab politics following Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Som Parkash's reference to him as 'Sant' while criticizing actress Kangana Ranaut's comments on Bhindranwale. This has sparked controversy, as Bhindranwale, who was killed in 1984 during Operation Blue Star, remains a divisive figure, particularly among BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders who have historically opposed him due to his role in promoting violence and separatism. Parkash’s remarks have drawn attention to the BJP’s delicate position in Punjab, where it seeks to expand its voter base.
India 24-Sep-2024
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Punjab Police detained the owner of a poultry feed factory on September 24 on suspicion of possessing drug money, seizing INR 70 lakh in cash from his residence in Shastri Nagar, Ludhiana. This raid was linked to the recent arrest of seven individuals and the seizure of 1 kg of heroin, INR 48 lakh, weapons, and other items. The factory owner was taken to Jalandhar for questioning regarding his involvement in the drug racket.
India 24-Sep-2024
Police on September 24 booked three individuals identified as Monu, his brother Happy and Sajan, in connection to the death of Suraj who died of a drug overdose, in Sultanwind village in Amritsar district.
India 24-Sep-2024
The Jalandhar Rural Police on September 24 arrested two smugglers, identified as Roshan Lal and Narinder Singh, and seized 1.2 kg of opium from their possession near Kamalpur village in Jalandhar district. The accused had procured the opium from Jharkhand, with Narinder acting as the courier, transporting the drugs via train for delivery to Roshan’s customers.
Canada 25-Sep-2024
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau on September 25 survived a vote of no confidence in his minority Liberal government, with Members of Parliament (MPs) voting 211 to 120 against the Conservative motion in Ottawa, Canada. While Trudeau remains in power, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre vowed to continue efforts to topple the government, capitalizing on the breakdown of the Liberal-New Democratic Party (NDP) coalition.
India 25-Sep-2024
The Punjab Government on September 25 transferred twenty-two police officials ahead of the local bodies' elections and the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) SPS Parmar, who led the investigation into sacrilege cases, was appointed as ADGP Law and Order, while Inspector General (IG) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar was reinstated as Commissioner of Police (CP) in Amritsar. Mandeep Singh Sidhu was assigned as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Patiala Range, and Ranjit Singh Dhillon and Harcharan Singh Bhulla were posted as DIGs for the Ferozepur and Bathinda ranges, respectively.
India 25-Sep-2024
On September 25, the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) was informed that show-cause notices had been issued to four police officers, including Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Vivek Sheel Soni, for their supervisory role during Lawrence Bishnoi’s in-custody interview that glorified crime. The Punjab Department of Home Affairs and Justice issued notices to Punjab Police Service (PPS) officers Amandeep Singh Brar and Gursher Singh, as well as Inspector Shiv Kumar. The court had earlier emphasized that accountability should extend to higher-ranking officers involved in the incident.
India 25-Sep-2024
The Kendri Singh Sabha on September 25 voiced support for Rahul Gandhi's remarks on the treatment of Sikhs in India, praising his stance against hate politics. They endorsed his acknowledgment of the Sikh community's inalienable rights to religious and cultural freedom, while opposing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) vision of a homogenous nation. The Sabha also condemned efforts by certain Sikh leaders allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to misinterpret Gandhi's statements.
India 25-Sep-2024
In a renewed fight against drug trafficking, the Punjab Police invoked the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act for the first time since its enactment in 1988. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) utilized the Act to detain 17 alleged traffickers, aiming to prevent repeat offenders from continuing their activities while out on bail. Additionally, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) detained three traffickers, including Balwinder Singh, alias Billa Havellian, and transferred them to Dibrugarh jail in Assam, marking a significant step in curbing jail-based drug operations.
India 25-Sep-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on September 25 agreed to reassess a petition by Balwant Singh Rajoana, seeking to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment for his role in the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh. Rajoana cited his 28 years of incarceration and the delays in deciding his mercy plea. The court issued notices to the Centre and Punjab, requesting responses within three weeks, while acknowledging the significant political and security implications of his potential release.
United States 25-Sep-2024
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages, including "Hindus go back," in Sacramento, California, in the United States (US) on September 25. The vandalism, classified as a hate crime by the Sacramento Police, marks the second such incident in the US within ten days. Community members gathered at the temple for a prayer ceremony to promote harmony, while investigations are underway.
India 25-Sep-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) 1 of the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate on September 25 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Pardeep Singh alias Rajvir, and seized 320 grams of heroin from his possession in Ludhiana district.
India 26-Sep-2024
Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation on September 26, recovered over 501 grams of heroin near Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The drugs are suspected to have been smuggled via drone from across the border. While four suspects fled the scene, two have been identified, and investigations are ongoing.
Canada 26-Sep-2024
A recent poll conducted by Maru Public Opinion for CityNews found that one in five people in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary consider crime and policing to be the top issues in their cities, Canada. Drug-related crime was the main concern in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, while gun crime topped the list in Toronto. The poll also highlighted widespread concerns about police response times and bail reform, with over 85% of respondents across the cities feeling that too many repeat violent offenders are being granted bail.
Canada 26-Sep-2024
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya, while addressing the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa on September 26, criticized a petition seeking a new inquiry into the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, calling it a promotion of 'conspiracy theories' by Khalistani extremists. He reaffirmed that two Canadian inquiries had already found Sikh extremists responsible for the tragic attack, which killed 329 people.
India 26-Sep-2024
Police on September 26 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Rakesh Mandal and seized 5 kg of ganja from his possession in Phagwara, Kapurthala district.
India 26-Sep-2024
Police on September 26 arrested two youths, identified as Kulwant Rai and Harish and seized 4 grams of heroin from their possession in Patara village in Jalandhar district.
India 26-Sep-2024
Special branch of the police on September 26 arrested a Punjab Roadways employee, identified as Aman Kumar, and seized five packets of poppy husk weighing 1.25 kg and opium, from near Bus stand in Hoshiarpur in Hoshiarpur district.
India 26-Sep-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on September 26, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 520 grams near Mahawa border village in Amritsar district.
India 26-Sep-2024
Police on September 26 arrested one person, identified as Pradeep Kumar, and seized 290 grams of heroin, along with a Honda Activa scooter, a mobile phone, and INR 700 from his possession in Ludhiana district.
India 26-Sep-2024
Police on September 26 arrested one person, identified as Jagmohan Singh, and seized 265 grams of heroin from his possession near Gills Garden Resort in Ludhiana district.
India 26-Sep-2024
Police on September 26 arrested a man, identified as Varun Sabharwal, and seized three country-made pistols and three live cartridges from his possession in Jalandhar district. His accomplice, Karan from Tarn Taran, managed to escape.
India 26-Sep-2024
The Central Film Certification Board (CBFC) on September 26 informed the Bombay High Court (HC) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, that its revising committee recommended 13 changes for the Kangana Ranaut-starrer film Emergency to receive a UA certificate. These changes include the deletion of references to 'Bhindranwale' and 'Khalistan.' The modifications were made following objections from Sikh groups, and the film's certification is now pending further responses.
Canada 26-Sep-2024
On September 26, a report released by the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), a unit within Global Affairs Canada, revealed that media outlets aligned with Indian Prime Minister (PM) Modi targeted Canadian PM Justin Trudeau following his claim linking India to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The report highlighted similar narratives discrediting Trudeau and Canada while depicting the country as isolated within the G7.
India 27-Sep-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on September 27 sought responses from the Centre and the governments of Delhi and Punjab regarding a petition by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is seeking his transfer from Delhi's Tihar Jail to a prison in Punjab. Hawara, serving a life sentence for the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh, claimed to have maintained good conduct in prison for 19 years and requested the transfer to be closer to his family.
Canada 27-Sep-2024
A year after Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's claim of Indian intelligence involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has yet to provide any evidence. Trudeau's unsubstantiated allegations have damaged India-Canada relations, polarized the Indian diaspora, and radicalized sections of the Sikh community. As Trudeau’s government faces the possibility of collapse by February 2025, questions arise regarding whether he should apologize to India for these actions.
India 27-Sep-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) 2 of the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate on September 27 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Harmandeep Singh and seized 150 grams of heroin and a car from his possession on Kohara-Machhiwara road near Kohara village in Ludhiana district.
India 27-Sep-2024
Police on September 27 busted a gang involved in duping individuals using fake Canadian visas by arresting two key accused identified as Wajid Ali and Munish Kumar, and seizing INR 26.7 lakh in cash along with five passports from their possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. The Police revealed that the kingpin of the operation, who is currently based in Turkey, was responsible for printing fake visas that were then sent to India.
United States 27-Sep-2024
Pakistan Counsellor Gul Qaiser Sarwani, during a debate titled 'Leadership for Peace' at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States (US) On September 27, dismissed India's accusations against Pakistan as baseless and misleading. Sarwani accused India of sponsoring terrorism, alleging that India's intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was involved in global operations targeting political dissidents. He also reiterated Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir, calling for India to end its occupation and comply with UN resolutions on the region's right to self-determination.
Canada 28-Sep-2024
Recently, a video went viral showing pro-Palestinian supporters defacing and attacking a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh during a protest in Brampton, Canada. The act sparked widespread outrage and anger among the public.
India 28-Sep-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami announced on September 28 that the SGPC had unanimously resolved to block the screening of Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency in Punjab, citing alleged character assassination of Sikhs. Dhami urged the state government to ban the movie, claiming it portrayed the Sikh community and its leaders negatively, potentially harming communal harmony.
United States 28-Sep-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 28 in New York, warned Pakistan that its actions, particularly its policy of cross-border terrorism, would "certainly have consequences." He criticised Pakistan for promoting fanaticism and exporting terrorism, adding that its current societal issues were a result of its own misdeeds, referring to it as "karma." Jaishankar also emphasised the need for UN reforms, stressing that the organisation must address global challenges like conflict and terrorism more effectively.
India 28-Sep-2024
According to police sources, the investigation into the grenade attack at a house in Chandigarh's Sector 10 revealed that the main accused, Rohan Masih, had been in contact with United States (US)-based Khalistani gangster Happy Passia for two months prior to the incident. Rohan, seeking money, was assigned by Passia—who is linked to Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda—to target the residence of retired police officer Jaskirat Singh Chahal. The attack, carried out on September 11, was foiled due to the poor quality of the grenade, resulting in minimal impact.
India 28-Sep-2024
The Crime Branch III of Ludhiana Police on September 28 arrested a youth, identified as Ganesh Singh and seized 265 grams of heroin from his possession near Decent School in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
India 28-Sep-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of Punjab Police on September 28 arrested two bike-borne persons, identified as Sheesh Pal and Bhim Sain alias Bhim Godara, and seized four .32 calibre country-made pistols and six live cartridges from their possession, at a naka (checkpoint) near Killianwali bypass near Killianwali village in Fazilka district.
India 28-Sep-2024
Kharar police on September 28 booked three men dressed as Nihangs identified as Jaspreet Singh, Gurwinder Singh and Amanjot Singh, for attacking a local Sikh man with swords after he tried to stop them from assaulting shopkeepers selling cigarettes near the busy Kharar bus stand in Kharar in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
India 28-Sep-2024
The police on September 28 attached properties worth approximately INR 2.23 crore belonging to four drug smugglers, identified as Gurmeet Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Sarabjit Singh, and Amit Sachdeva, in Ludhiana district. Gurmeet Singh's property was valued at INR 1.51 crore, Gagandeep Singh's property at INR 17.20 lakh, along with a Wagon R vehicle, Sarabjit Singh's property at INR 37.57 lakh, and Amit Sachdeva's property at INR 76 lakh.
India 28-Sep-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff from Khanna, along with Samrala Police, on September 28 dismantled a drug supply chain by arresting a smuggler identified as Mohammad Ali and seizing 10 bags of poppy husk, weighing nearly 199 kg, from his possession near Urna village in Ludhiana district. The drugs were concealed under apple crates in a pickup jeep, smuggled from Himachal Pradesh (HP).
India 29-Sep-2024
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) of Punjab Police on September 29 busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket and seized 6 kg of heroin, 67 live cartridges, 2 magazines, 6 mobile phones in Jaffarpur village in Gurdaspur district. The operation was based on reliable intelligence regarding a local drug peddler's involvement in narcotics and weapons smuggling from Pakistan. During the raid, the accused managed to flee after discarding a bag containing the contraband.
India 29-Sep-2024
On September 29, the Border Security Force (BSF) arrested two individuals, identified as Sukhdev and Kulwinder Singh and seized 550 grams of heroin along with a China-made pistol, one magazine and four live cartridges from their possession, near Tahliwala village in Fazilka district. The suspects reportedly fired shots at BSF personnel while attempting to pick up a consignment of heroin from near the India-Pakistan border.
India 29-Sep-2024
Tarsem Singh, father of radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, on September 29 in Amritsar, announced plans to form a new political party. He stated that the party would transcend religion and caste, focusing on issues affecting Punjab and aiming to serve as a regional party. Singh emphasized the absence of a strong regional party to advocate for Punjab's interests and criticized decisions made in Delhi that undermine local leadership.