KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 30-Nov-2024
Jalandhar (Rural) police on November 30 dismantled a drug smuggling network with the arrest of a key operative identified as Amit Kumar Bhatti alias Mita, and seized which 95 grams of suspicious envelope containing brown sugar and INR 1 lakh drug money from his possession, from Valmik Mohalla in Gurdaspur in Gurdaspur district. Bhatti was managing a complex inter-state drug trafficking route spanning Moradabad (UP), Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh (HP). The police traced his operations, which involved procuring brown sugar from Moradabad and selling it to foreign tourists in HP at inflated prices.
India 30-Nov-2024
Amritsar rural police on November 30 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Sandeep Singh alias Bittu and seized 470 grams of heroin from his possession from Rattan Kalan village in Amritsar.
India 30-Nov-2024
Phillaur police on November 30 arrested two individuals, identified as Sonu Bacha and Akash Kumar alias Baba and seized 8 grams of heroin, 105 narcotic pills and INR 10,000 in cash from their possession, near Panjdhera village in Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
India 30-Nov-2024
Patara police team on November 30 arrested two individuals, identified as Rajwinder Singh alias Raja, and Hardeep Thapar alias Honey and seized 12 grams of heroin and 300 narcotic pills along with a motorcycle from their possession, near Chadpur village in Jalandhar district.
India 30-Nov-2024
Kartarpur police on November 30 arrested two individuals, identified as Arshpreet Singh and Dilpreet and seized 3 grams of heroin from their possession near Ambia village in Jalandhar district.
Canada 30-Nov-2024
On November 30, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Scarborough, Toronto, successfully hosted a consular camp, issuing nearly 250 life certificates to elderly pensioners despite recent security concerns. The event took place under enhanced security measures and a court-ordered 100-metre restraining zone for Khalistani extremist protesters. A small group of pro-Khalistan extremists gathered at the prescribed distance, chanting slogans.
India 01-Dec-2024
Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) Western Command, Satish S. Khandare, while addressing the media during BSF's 60th Raising Day in Chandigarh, revealed a nearly 150% increase in drone seizures along Punjab's 553-km border with Pakistan in 2024, with 242 of the 250 recovered drones spotted in Punjab. He also highlighted significant recoveries, including 663 kg of narcotics and 69 weapons, and commended the force's efforts in preventing infiltration and smuggling.
India 01-Dec-2024
Police on December 1 arrested a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang along with his two associates, identified as Bhupendra Singh Rawat, Adesh Chaudhary and Deepak Singh Rawat, and seized three pistols and six bullets were recovered from their possession in Indore in Madhya Pradesh (MP). The suspects were reportedly planning to hijack a liquor truck.
India 01-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 1 recovered a packet containing 500 grams of heroin along with a drone from fields near Rajatal village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI AIR 3S model.
India 01-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 1 recovered a packet containing 540 grams of heroin along with a drone from fields near Dhariwal village in Ajnala in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
India 01-Dec-2024
On December 1, a five-member committee of Sikhs from Haryana, comprising Sukhwinder Singh Mandebar (Yamunanagar), Swaran Singh (Bunga Tibbi, Panchkula), Malkit Singh Panniwala (Sirsa), Swaran Singh Ratia (Fatehabad), and Umrao Singh Chhina (Kaithal), paid obeisance at Akal Takht in Amritsar and prayed for the prosperity of the newly formed Shiromani Akali Dal (Azad) (SAD-A). The committee, tasked with nominating the party's president, aims to address Sikh issues in Haryana and field candidates for religious elections, including those for the Haryana Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HGPC), Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).
India 01-Dec-2024
The Jagraon City police on December 1 arrested three persons, identified as Ravideep Singh alias Ravi, Amandeep Singh alias Jassu and Karan alias Nikku and seized 50 grams of heroin along with a Hyundai i20 from their possession, near Kothe Ath Chak village in Ludhiana district.
India 01-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 1 recovered two heroin consignments weighing 541 grams and 750 grams respectively, along with four Pakistani drones from fields in Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts in Punjab. The recovered drones included two DJI AIR 3S and two DJI Mavic 3 Classic models.
India 01-Dec-2024
Khalra police on December 1 arrested two bike-borne persons, identified as Jaspal Singh and Nirvail Singh and seized 115 grams of heroin from their possession, near Khalra village in Tarn Taran district. The Police revealed that the accused had received the consignment from the Pakistan side through a drone.
India 01-Dec-2024
Sadar police on December 1 arrested an individual, identified as Sukhjinder Singh Chhindha and seized an unlicensed 12 bore pistol from his possession while patrolling on the Abohar-Sriganganagar road in Fazilka district.
India 02-Dec-2024
Purnea Police on December 2 arrested Rambabu Yadav for allegedly threatening independent Member of Parliament (MP) Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav from Dumaria village in Bhojpur district, Bihar. Rambabu Yadav, who previously had associations with Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party, claimed he was offered INR 2 lakh to issue video death threats to the MP, reportedly to prompt an upgrade in his security. During interrogation, the police found no connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and further investigations are ongoing.
India 02-Dec-2024
According to sources, the Indian government has blocked approximately 10,500 URLs linked to the pro-Khalistani referendum over the past three years under Section 69A of the IT Act, citing national security concerns. Additionally, over 28,000 social media URLs, including those from platforms like Facebook and X, were blocked during this period for fraud and other malicious activities. The actions were taken based on recommendations from intelligence agencies and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA).
India 02-Dec-2024
On December 2, a video surfaced on social media showing Khalistan leader and self-styled head of Damdami Taksal Rajpura, Barjinder Singh Parwana, issuing death threats against Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, referencing the assassination of Indira Gandhi as a warning. The threats were reportedly triggered by Shastri's perceived remarks about the Golden Temple, although his supporters deny these allegations. The video has sparked widespread outrage, and complaints have been filed accusing Parwana of sedition and incitement to religious hatred.
India 02-Dec-2024
The five high priests on December 2 imposed religious punishment (‘tankhah’) on Sukhbir Singh Badal, directing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to accept his resignation as party chief within three days and conduct elections for new office-bearers within six months. Sukhbir Singh Badal was also instructed to perform ‘sewa’ at the Golden Temple as penance for his government’s shortcomings between 2007 and 2017, including its handling of the 2015 sacrilege incidents. Additionally, the Akal Takht revoked the ‘Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum’ title previously awarded to the late Parkash Singh Badal.
India 02-Dec-2024
A Delhi court on December 2 adjourned the hearing in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler to December 9, as two former police officials summoned as witnesses were unable to depose. The case pertains to the killings of three Sikhs at Gurdwara Pul Bangash, with Tytler facing charges of murder and other offences.
India 02-Dec-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued new threats via a video message on December 2, urging farmers to surround Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his visit to Punjab Engineering College on December 3 in Chandigarh.
India 02-Dec-2024
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to investigate threats issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to disrupt the All India Directors General of Police (DGP) and Inspectors General of Police (IGP) Conference 2024 in Bhubaneswar. Pannun reportedly sent threatening emails and audio messages to journalists in Odisha, prompting a high alert. Authorities suspect the involvement of sleeper cells, as the messages included text in both Odia and English, potentially prepared locally or with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
India 02-Dec-2024
Fazilka police on December 2 dismantled an inter-state network of illegal opioids operating from Rajasthan, arresting an unidentified individual and seizing 1.71 lakh Clovidol-100 tablets in Khuian Sarwar, Abohar, Fazilka district.
India 03-Dec-2024
The Jalandhar Police on December 3 arrested four smugglers, identified as Palwinder Singh alias Sona, Amardeep alias Harman, Vishal, Balbir Singh alias Bira, and seized 150 narcotics pills, 50 grams of heroin, and INR 4,800 in drug money from their possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
United Kingdom 03-Dec-2024
Lord Meghnad Desai, a life peer in the British House of Lords and former Labour Party Member of Parliament (MP), explained in an interview with Hindustan Times that India perceives the Khalistan movement—supported by some members of the Sikh diaspora in Canada—as a threat to its unity, rooted in the trauma of partition and historical Sikh grievances. Desai emphasized the need for India to adopt a more measured approach to the issue and suggested dialogue, potentially mediated by a neutral third party such as the United Kingdom (UK) or Australia, to resolve the standoff and safeguard long-term bilateral relations.
India 03-Dec-2024
The Akal Takht's decision to revoke Parkash Singh Badal's "Fakhr-e-Qaum" (Pride of the Nation) title and impose religious punishments on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders represents a critical juncture for the party, challenging its moral authority in Sikh politics. Criticizing the SAD's failure to protect Sikh interests, the Akal Takht called for a comprehensive reorganization of the party, urging rival factions to unite and elect new leadership to rebuild trust and restore integrity.
India 03-Dec-2024
Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab's former Deputy Chief Minister, has been punished by the Akal Takht for "religious misconduct" during the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) tenure from 2007 to 2017. He admitted to favouring Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2015 sacrilege case, which led to violent clashes in Punjab. His punishment includes cleaning utensils and bathrooms and serving at the Golden Temple while wearing a plaque acknowledging his misconduct. The Akal Takht has also mandated reforms in SAD leadership within six months.
India 03-Dec-2024
Police on December 3 froze property worth INR 1.42 crore belonging to three drug peddlers: Rajwinder Kaur of Plasaur, Gurbhej Singh Bheja, and Jagrup Singh in Punjab. Rajwinder Kaur's property in Plasaur, Tarn Taran district, was valued at INR 66.40 lakh, Gurbhej Singh Bheja’s in Meharbanpura village, Amritsar district, at INR 35.80 lakh, and Jagrup Singh’s in Balia Manjhpur village, Amritsar district, at INR 40 lakh. The action involved the attachment of residences, commercial properties, and land, with notices affixed to their respective properties.
India 03-Dec-2024
Police on December 3 froze property worth INR 1.42 crore belonging to three drug peddlers: Rajwinder Kaur of Plasaur, Gurbhej Singh Bheja, and Jagrup Singh in Punjab. Rajwinder Kaur's property in Plasaur, Tarn Taran district, was valued at INR 66.40 lakh, Gurbhej Singh Bheja’s in Meharbanpura village, Amritsar district, at INR 35.80 lakh, and Jagrup Singh’s in Balia Manjhpur village, Amritsar district, at INR 40 lakh. The action involved the attachment of residences, commercial properties, and land, with notices affixed to their respective properties.
India 03-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 3 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 560 grams along with a drone from fields adjacent to Rattan Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
India 03-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 3 recovered a drone in broken condition from fields near Wan Tara Singh village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a DJI Air 3S model.
India 04-Dec-2024
Jalandhar Rural Police on December 4 arrested two members of an inter-district extortion gang involved in an extortion attempt, identified as Gursevak Singh and Sunil Kumar, and seized one pistol, ammunition, a mobile phone with a SIM card, a car, and a motorcycle from their possession, near Saidpur Jhri village in Jalandhar district. The arrests followed an extortion attempt targeting a doctor in Nakodar, with investigations revealing the accused's involvement in multiple extortion plans. Further links to criminal activities are being probed.
India 04-Dec-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on December 4 strongly condemned the assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. He stated that the attack was not just on Sukhbir but on a ‘sewadar’ fulfilling his religious duties outside the Golden Temple.
India 04-Dec-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on December 4 expressed concern over the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling it an insult to the Akal Takht. He urged the police to ensure the safety of Akali leaders as they perform religious duties in accordance with the Takht's directives.
India 04-Dec-2024
On December 4, former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal survived an assassination attempt while performing penance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The shooter, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant wanted in Khalistani terror-related cases, was overpowered by a volunteer before he could inflict harm. Chaura positioned himself in front of Badal but missed the target when a volunteer pushed him as he fired. The bullet, aimed at Badal, struck a wall approximately six feet away from where he was seated. Badal escaped unharmed.
India 04-Dec-2024
On December 4, Narain Singh Chaura, a former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) employee, ex-militant, and key figure in the 2004 Burail jailbreak, attempted to assassinate former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. Chaura, identified as a pro-Khalistan activist and a member of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), has been implicated in multiple terror-related cases and was under surveillance by intelligence agencies.
India 04-Dec-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on December 4 condemned the assassination attempt on its leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, labelling it an attack on the sanctity of Sri Darbar Sahib. SAD accused Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa of shielding the assailant, Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant linked to terror cases. Party leader Bikram Singh Majithia demanded a High Court-monitored probe and criticized the Punjab government for security lapses, citing Chaura's movements in the area prior to the attack.
India 04-Dec-2024
According to sources, Narain Singh Chaura, a former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) employee and militant turned social activist, attempted to shoot Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, was known for his strong criticism of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) over sacrilege cases. In a Facebook post, he condemned the SAD, stating that its "sins" could not be undone and opposing efforts to absolve the party through symbolic punishments. Chaura had a history of militancy, with links to the Khalistan National Army (KNA) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and was involved in the 2004 Burail jailbreak.
United Kingdom 04-Dec-2024
The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on December 4 launched a provocative “Kill Modi Politics” campaign, featuring banners with "Kill Modi Politics" and "Wanted" posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar displayed at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in West Bromwich, West Midlands, UK. SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun accused the Indian government of using Hindu temples worldwide to promote Hindutva ideology and recruit spies to monitor pro-Khalistan Sikhs. SFJ UK coordinator Dupinderjit Singh alleged that Indian diplomats were targeting Paramjeet Singh Pamma, a Khalistan Referendum Coordinator, and building intelligence networks against pro-Khalistan activists.
United Kingdom 04-Dec-2024
United Kingdom (UK) Labour Member of Parliament Preet Kaur Gill on December 4 successfully introduced the Public Body Ethnicity Data (Inclusion of Jewish and Sikh Categories) Bill in the House of Commons, London. The bill aims to formally recognize Sikh and Jewish communities as ethnic categories for data collection by public bodies, addressing gaps in service delivery. Gill cited examples such as higher pandemic mortality rates among these groups and the lack of adequate data for tailored services. The bill passed its first reading, with the second reading scheduled for March 7, 2025.
India 04-Dec-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Naresh Gujral, in a recent interview with The Tribune, expressed optimism that Punjabis would forgive the party, drawing a parallel to how they pardoned the Congress after Operation Bluestar and the 1984 Sikh massacre. His remarks came in the wake of the Akal Takht’s ruling that found former SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other party leaders guilty of violating the Sikh rehat maryada. Reflecting on the party’s recent penance at the Golden Temple, Gujral emphasized Punjab’s tradition of forgiving those who sincerely atone for their mistakes. While acknowledging the formidable challenge of rebuilding the Akali Dal, he underscored the importance of humility in the process. Gujral also highlighted growing frustration among Punjabi youth, particularly concerning the Centre's handling of farmers' issues.
India 04-Dec-2024
The Muktsar police and the Counter Intelligence (CI) Wing on December 4 arrested four members of the Bambiha gang, identified as Gurjivan Singh, Maninder Singh, Surinder Singh, and Sukhpreet Singh alias Shampy and seized a pistol, four live cartridges, and a country-made weapon in Gidderbaha, Sri Muktsar Sahib district, Punjab. Gurjivan Singh, Maninder Singh, and Surinder Singh were arrested on December 2 with the pistol and cartridges, while Sukhpreet Singh, alias Shampy, was apprehended on December 4 with the country-made weapon.
India 05-Dec-2024
On December 5, a day after the attack on former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, Khalistani ex-militant Narain Singh Chaura was produced in the Amritsar district court. The court granted a three-day remand for his interrogation. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, focusing on Chaura's radical affiliations and the source of the weapon used in the attack.
India 05-Dec-2024
Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) of Punjab and leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), on December 5 continued his "seva" under tight security at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, Punjab.
India 05-Dec-2024
On December 5, Dal Khalsa organized a Panthic convention in Moga, Moga district, calling for unity among Sikh groups and cautioning against airing divisive issues publicly. Speakers criticized state policies targeting Sikhs and expressed support for former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who recently attacked Sukhbir Badal. They emphasized unity based on Sikh principles while urging accountability for actions disrupting communal harmony.
India 05-Dec-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on December 5 revealed that Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Jasbir Singh, who protected Sukhbir Singh Badal during the recent attack, was not officially on duty but had been sent to Amritsar to assist as a Gursikh. Majithia accused the Amritsar police of pressuring Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staff to suppress CCTV footage that could expose security lapses leading to the attack. He also alleged that Superintendent of Police (SP) Harpal Randhawa maintained close ties with Narain Singh Chaura, a militant facing over 30 cases, and criticized police inaction despite tracking Chaura before the attack. Additionally, Majithia accused Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar of downplaying the incident under political pressure.
United States 05-Dec-2024
Sukhi Chahal, a member of the Hindus for America Caucus, highlighted the growing threat of Khalistani radicalism in a recent interview with India Today. He emphasized the need for proactive measures by the Indian government and the Sikh diaspora to counter radicalization. Mr. Chahal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to address historical injustices against Sikhs and called for unity within the community to combat extremist ideologies and promote peace. He also expressed optimism that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership could bolster Indo-U.S. cooperation in addressing shared threats, including extremism.
United States 05-Dec-2024
According to sources, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of attempting to hire a United States (US) undercover agent to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, has been served summons in a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, names Gupta, the Government of India (GOI), National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and others as defendants in an alleged plot orchestrated by India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to target Sikh activists. Gupta is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, awaiting trial in a related criminal case.
India 05-Dec-2024
The Counter Intelligence (CI) unit of Punjab Police on December 5 arrested three drug smugglers—Husanpreet Singh, Karandeep Singh alias Manna, and Maninder Singh—and seized 5 kilograms of heroin, INR 4.45 lakh in drug money, along with a white Honda Activa and a black Hero Deluxe from their possession in Amritsar, Amritsar district. The police acted on a tip-off regarding their smuggling activities, which allegedly involved consignments dropped by drones from Pakistan. A case has been registered under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
India 05-Dec-2024
Amritsar Police Commissionerate on December 5 dismantled a trans-border narcotics smuggling module, arresting three smugglers identified as Harpartap Singh alias Happy, Karandeep Singh and Jagpreet Singh, and seized 5 kilograms of heroin from their possession, near Verka bypass in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The suspects had reportedly received the drug consignment from an unknown source in the Fatehgarh Churian area. A case has been registered under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader smuggling network.
India 05-Dec-2024
On December 5, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the ‘Youth of Punjab’ campaign to combat drug abuse by encouraging youth participation in sports. Conceived by Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, the campaign will be inaugurated on January 11 in Ludhiana by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Union Government ministers. The initiative aims to foster sportsmanship in over 12,500 villages and 100 urban areas, with plans to distribute sports kits to clubs and institutions.
India 05-Dec-2024
The December 4 attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal is not the first instance of violence targeting the Badal family in recent years. On August 28, 2021, a man hurled a shoe at Sukhbir during a political rally in Amritsar, though it missed him. In February 2021, his SUV was pelted with bricks and stones during a clash between Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress workers in Jalalabad. Earlier, in January 2017, then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was struck by a shoe, resulting in mild swelling. However, none of these incidents have been as severe as the recent assassination attempt.
India 06-Dec-2024
According to sources, Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant arrested for attempting to assassinate former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, was active during the Punjab militancy. He admitted to receiving firearms training in Pakistan and claimed to have bribed the Punjab Police in 1997 to evade custody. As the founder of the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), Chaura has been associated with various separatist groups and radical ideologies. He has also authored books on Sikh history and militant activities.
Canada 06-Dec-2024
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya opposed a motion in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Canada, to label the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide. He warned that the "politically powerful Khalistani lobby" might attempt to reintroduce the motion. Arya, the only MP present to oppose it, highlighted the threats he faces for advocating for the Hindu-Canadian community and urged Hindu-Canadians to engage with their MPs to prevent the motion's passage in the future. While condemning the violence of the riots, he argued that labelling it as genocide would be both misleading and divisive.
India 06-Dec-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on December 6 directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to a plea by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar seeking suspension of his sentence in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Khokhar, currently serving a life sentence, requested furlough citing his age, disability, and health issues. His plea was previously rejected by jail authorities. Khokhar has also challenged the high court's 2018 order upholding his conviction.
Canada 06-Dec-2024
On December 6, a motion introduced by New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh to recognize the 1984 violence against Sikhs in India as a "genocide" was rejected by a Canadian parliamentary committee in Ottawa. The committee, chaired by Liberal MP Ali Ehsassi, voted to adjourn the debate, effectively defeating the motion. Singh expressed disappointment, accusing the Liberal and Conservative parties of obstructing justice for the Sikh community. The motion was part of the NDP's broader campaign to achieve official recognition of the 1984 Sikh Genocide in Canada.
India 06-Dec-2024
Preliminary police investigations suggest that former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple, acted alone. Chaura, currently in a three-day police remand, fired at Badal from close range but missed, before being subdued by plainclothes policemen. A 9mm pistol was recovered from him, and authorities are investigating its origin. Police are also probing potential motivations for the attack, possibly tied to Badal's recent religious penance.
India 06-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Police Commissionerate on December 6 announced the arrest of 10 individuals, including four operatives backed by Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, United States (US) based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Pashia, Jeevan Fauji and Jashanpreet Singh, and seized a hand grenade, two .30 bore pistols, one .32 bore pistol and a drone from their possession, from Amritsar in Amritsar district.
India 06-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Rural Police on December 6 arrested three individuals, identified as Makha Singh, Sajjan Singh, and William Masih and seized 5 kg of heroin along with a revolver from their possession near Ajnala in Amritsar district. Their accomplices, Harpal Singh alias Bhala and Gursewak Singh alias Sewak, managed to flee.
India 06-Dec-2024
The Special Cell of Delhi Police on December 6 arrested two shooters of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, identified as Narender and Abhishek, following a shootout in Rohini, North West Delhi.
United Kingdom 06-Dec-2024
On December 6, King Charles III, acting on the recommendation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stripped two British Indians, Raminder Singh Ranger and Anil Kumar Bhanot, of their honours in London, United Kingdom (UK). Ranger, a Conservative Party member, had his title revoked due to controversial remarks about Khalistan separatists and criticism of the BBC’s documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhanot, a trustee of the Hindu Council UK, lost his honour over allegations of Islamophobia linked to his social media posts concerning violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
India 06-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 562 grams from fields near Dal village in Tarn Taran district on December 6.
India 06-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 6 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 545 grams from fields near Thetharke village in Gurdaspur district.
Pakistan 06-Dec-2024
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on December 6 registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sikh journalist Harmeet Singh, accusing him of spreading misleading propaganda against state institutions. The FIR alleges that his posts covering the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests incited violence and terrorism. Harmeet has denied the accusations, citing a lack of evidence and claiming he is being targeted as a minority journalist.
India 07-Dec-2024
On December 7, Head Constable Manbir Singh and Punjab Home Guards Jawan Gurwinder Singh, members of a Chabal police party, were injured while attempting to arrest Balwinder Singh Doni and Gopal Singh Gopala, suspects involved in drug trade, in the Pakka Qilha locality of Chabal town, Tarn Taran district.
India 07-Dec-2024
The Sadar Police on December 7 arrested Bajid Ali, an accused on bail in drug smuggling cases, and his accomplice Suraj, seizing 1.5 kg of opium from their possession in Purana Naru Nangal village, Hoshiarpur district.
India 07-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Police on December 7 announced an intensified investigation into former Khalistan militant Narain Singh Chaura’s alleged attempt to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. The police have been questioning Chaura’s sons, Jagjit Singh Bajwa and Baljinder Singh Bajwa, to uncover the motive and conspiracy behind the plot.
India 07-Dec-2024
The Punjab Police on December 7 attached properties belonging to members of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), identified as Inderjit Singh Bajwa and Ranjodh Singh alias Baba, in connection with the Batala shootout case. The shootout, which occurred on June 24, 2023, injured Shiv Sena leader Rajiv Mahajan and his relatives. The attack was allegedly orchestrated by Bajwa and Baba to avenge the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
India 07-Dec-2024
On December 7, a section of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, urging him to excommunicate former militant Narain Singh Chaura for attempting to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
India 07-Dec-2024
The banned pro-Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced a travel budget of INR 25 lakh to facilitate Sikh farmers to “seize the Indian Parliament” on December 13, coinciding with the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Farmers are protesting in the capital for various demands, including a farm loan waiver, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases etc.
India 07-Dec-2024
Top intelligence sources have described the banned terrorist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)'s call for farmers to “Seize Indian Parliament” on December 13 as "unwarranted" and a form of "foreign interference" that the Canadian government should address. The outfit has allocated INR 25 lakh for the protest, which coincides with the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. According to the sources, SFJ chief and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is receiving funds for every post against India and is now attempting to intervene in various matters.
United Kingdom 07-Dec-2024
On December 7, British-Indian businessman Rami Ranger criticized the United Kingdom (UK) Forfeiture Committee’s decision to strip him of his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), calling it unjust. Ranger, an outspoken critic of Khalistani separatists, announced plans to challenge the decision legally, arguing that it undermines free speech and sets a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that his contributions to British business and community cohesion, which led to the award, should not be overshadowed by past controversies that had already been addressed.
India 07-Dec-2024
Jalandhar Rural Police on December 7 arrested eight individuals, identified as Kushal, Jatinder Singh, Hina, Jaspinder Singh, Surinder Singh, Jagjivan Lal, Suraj, and his wife Simran and seized 504 narcotic pills, 47 grams of opium, INR 1,500 in drug money, three motorcycles, and one luxury car from their possession in Phillaur, Jalandhar district.
India 07-Dec-2024
On December 7, a clash between two groups of convicts at Kapurthala Central Jail left four inmates injured. One critically injured inmate, Simranjeet Singh, was referred to Amritsar Medical College, while the others were treated at Kapurthala Civil Hospital. The altercation, which occurred around 8 p.m. in barrack 3/3, involved the use of sharp iron rods and was reportedly triggered by an old rivalry.
India 07-Dec-2024
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, on December 7 justified former militant Narayan Singh Chaura’s alleged attempt to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. Bittu characterized Chaura’s actions as an emotional response to perceived blasphemy and urged the SAD to support his release.
Canada 07-Dec-2024
Indo-Canadian community groups met with Canadian law enforcement agencies, including Toronto Police, Peel Regional Police (PRP), and Surrey Police, to address concerns over Hinduphobia and perceived two-tier policing, in an event organised by the Canadian chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (COHNA) in Toronto in Canada on December 7. The meetings highlighted issues such as hate crimes, the November 3 attack on Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Mandir, and distrust towards PRP. Authorities committed to rebuilding trust, encouraging incident reporting, and forming advisory committees to enhance community relations.
India 07-Dec-2024
On December 7, Navi Mumbai Police registered a case against two men, identified as Happy Singh and Jaspal Singh, along with a gang of 10 others, for assaulting Sikh bhajan singer Lakhwinder Surjit Singh in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. The victim claimed the attack was retaliation for his support of Bhupinder Singh’s family, following Bhupinder’s 2016 murder. The assailants reportedly intercepted Lakhwinder’s vehicle, assaulted him with weapons, and coerced him into recording a video renouncing ties with Bhupinder Singh’s family.
India 07-Dec-2024
According to sources, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 12,300 kg of narcotics between January and October 2024. Of this, 96% (11,866 kg) was recovered along the eastern India-Bangladesh border, while only 432 kg was seized at the western India-Pakistan border. Additionally, 257 drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were downed along the western border, and 194 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended at the Indo-Bangladesh border during the same period.
United Kingdom 08-Dec-2024
According to sources, the British government, under the influence of the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), revoked the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honours previously awarded to prominent British-Indian figures Rami Ranger and Anil Bhanot. Both criticised the decision as an attack on free speech, with Ranger attributing it to his opposition to Khalistanis and his criticism of the BBC’s controversial documentary on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The revocation was reportedly decided by the United Kingdom’s (UK) Forfeiture Committee under the Cabinet Office.
India 08-Dec-2024
A court on December 8 extended the police custody of Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Sukhbir Singh Badal, in Amritsar in Punjab.
India 08-Dec-2024
Police on December 8 arrested two women, identified as Sona and Simmi and seized 105 grams of heroin from their possession near Lakhowal road area near Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
India 08-Dec-2024
Reports indicate that the attack on former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal highlights concerns over resurfacing secessionist sentiments in Punjab, although a return to the pro-Khalistan extremism of the past appears unlikely. Factors such as the emergence of figures like Amritpal Singh Sandhu and Simranjit Singh Mann, along with unresolved grievances from the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, have contributed to renewed tensions. The weakening of established political alliances and leadership, coupled with internal party vulnerabilities, has further destabilized the political landscape. Effective leadership and coordinated efforts between state and central governments are crucial to preventing a recurrence of past unrest.
India 08-Dec-2024
On December 8, agitating farmers suspended their march to Delhi after Haryana security forces used teargas and water cannons to disperse them at the Punjab-Haryana border near Shambhu in Patiala district, Punjab. Despite initial gestures such as offering tea and flower petals, the situation escalated into a confrontation. The farmers, demanding legal Minimum Support Price, debt waivers, and other reforms, plan to determine their next course of action on December 9.
India 08-Dec-2024
On December 8, Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh faced protests from Bajrang Dal during his concert in Indore over allegations of anti-national remarks and support for Khalistan. Despite demands for its cancellation, the event proceeded as planned. In response to critics, Diljit quoted Rahat Indori’s iconic poetry: "Agar khilaaf hain hone do, jaan thodi hai. Yeh sab dhuan hai, asmaan thodi hai. Sabhi ka khoon hai shaamil yahan ki mitti mein, Kisi ke baap ka Hindustan thodi hai."
India 09-Dec-2024
On December 9, Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, speaking in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda district, accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of attempting to cover up a conspiracy behind the attack on SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. Cheema criticized the FIR as an effort to weaken the case against the accused, Narain Singh Chaura, and called for a court-monitored probe into the alleged involvement of Punjab Police and the AAP government.
India 09-Dec-2024
On December 9, a Delhi court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to locate and summon Manmohan Kaur, a prosecution witness in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler. The judge also recorded the statement of another witness, Bal Kishan Arya, and summoned additional witnesses, including Anuj Sinha and N D Pancholi, for December 20.
Canada 09-Dec-2024
Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on December 9 issued threats against Hindu-Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Chandra Arya for opposing a motion to label the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide. Pannun warned Arya of a "Lalit Makan-like fate." Indian intelligence sources criticized the Canadian government for allowing such threats to be directed at its sitting MPs.
India 09-Dec-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, in Amritsar, on December 9 urged the Akal Takht to take 'Panthic' action against ex-militant Narain Singh Chaura, who is accused of attempting to assassinate former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.
India 09-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 9 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 580 grams from fields near Ballaharwal village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
India 09-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 9 recovered one drone from fields near Daoke village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
India 09-Dec-2024
According to sources, Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been infiltrating individuals under the influence of drugs or posing as mentally disturbed into India to deliver critical messages to terrorists imprisoned in Indian jails. Since July, over 10 such cases have been reported, with these individuals being sent to prisons in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. This strategy, tied to drug smuggling operations, aims to bypass electronic surveillance and law enforcement. The ISI’s tactics have raised suspicions of a larger agenda, as many infiltrators exhibit evasive behavior during interrogation.
India 09-Dec-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on December 9 disposed of a significant quantity of drugs, including 65.5 kg of poppy husk, 3 kg of heroin, tablets 345, capsules 665, injectible drugs 10, marijuana 12.7 kg and Ice drug 100 grams, seized from smugglers over time, at Green Planet Energy Private ltd near Bir Pind village in Jalandhar district.
India 09-Dec-2024
The State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) on December 9 arrested gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s henchman, Rajat Saharan, and seized two pistols, one of which was a country-made weapon, along with a magazine from his possession on the Zirakpur-Ambala highway near Zirakpur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
India 09-Dec-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) Rohtak on December 9 arrested two criminals linked to the Bhau gang, identified as Jasbir and Sahil, and seized two firearms from their possession after a brief encounter near the Titoli bypass in Rohtak district, Haryana. The criminals opened fire on the police, injuring two officers, though they were protected by bulletproof vests. The duo, who were injured in the crossfire, have been admitted to PGIMS Rohtak for treatment.
United States 09-Dec-2024
United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump on December 9 announced the nomination of Indian-American lawyer Harmeet Kaur Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice in Washington DC. Dhillon, in the past, had a pro-Khalistan stance and had previously accused India of targeting North American Sikhs through covert operations, sparking controversy.
India 09-Dec-2024
Police on December 9 busted an inter-state drug-smuggling module and arrested Dharm Singh and Om Prakash Verma, and seized 4 kg of opium from their possession, near Handesra, in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
India 09-Dec-2024
Police on December 9 busted an inter-state drug-smuggling module and arrested Manish Kumar, Kamal and Kamal Verma, and seized 4.5 kg of opium from their possession, near College Road in Dera Bassi, in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
India 09-Dec-2024
Police on December 9 arrested a notorious criminal involved in multiple heinous cases, including drug trafficking, armed robbery, and attempted murder, identified as Amritpal Singh alias Amba, from Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
India 10-Dec-2024
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on December 10 announced that a "Marjeevda Jatha" of 101 farmers would march to Delhi on December 14, citing the government’s lack of response to their demands, while addressing the media at Shambhu border, in Patiala district in Punjab. Farmers at the Shambhu border, protesting since February 2024, seek a legal guarantee on MSP, debt waiver, pensions, and justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims. Meanwhile, prominent figures, including Dr Swaiman Singh and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, have expressed support for the protests.
India 10-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 10 arrested two unidentified smugglers, and seized INR 37000 in drug money, two mobile phones and two small weighing machines from their possession, near Jasror village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.