KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
India 24-Dec-2024
According to Indian intelligence sources, the December 20 attack at a Christmas market in Germany underscores the dangers of granting asylum to fugitives under the guise of activism. Taleb Abdulmohsen, a Saudi Arabian fugitive, exploited Germany's asylum system before orchestrating the attack. Officials compare this pattern to Khalistani terrorists like Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who misuse asylum protections to advance anti-India agendas. Experts caution that Europe’s liberal immigration policies risk enabling similar incidents, urging stricter vetting measures to prevent misuse by individuals posing national security threats.
India 24-Dec-2024
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), issued a video threat on December 24 to disrupt the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. In the video, Pannun declared that the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela will be the last one, and incited violence against Hindus on key dates, including January 14, 2025, January 29, 2025, and February 3, 2025 citing retaliation for the deaths of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) members in the recent Pilibhit encounter (Uttar Pradesh). Reiterating his demand for a separate Khalistan state, he urged his supporters to target the religious gathering, escalating concerns about security at the event.
India 24-Dec-2024
Gurdaspur Member of Parliament (MP) Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, in a letter dated December 24, urged Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah to initiate a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the recent spate of bomb blasts in Punjab. Randhawa highlighted security concerns following the December 12 explosion at the Ghanian Ke Bangar police station in Batala, claimed by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He emphasized the need for the NIA's involvement to ensure a coordinated and effective response to these escalating threats.
India 24-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police, on December 24, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 460 grams from fields near Bachiwind village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
India 24-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police, on December 24, recovered a damaged DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from fields near Khemkaran village in Patti, Tarn Taran district.
India 24-Dec-2024
The Punjab Police on December 24 revealed that Jagjit Singh alias Fateh Singh Baagi, a Khalistani terrorist and former British Army soldier, was operating his own terror outfit, the Akaljot Khalistan Force (AKF), while also collaborating with the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). Singh, originally from Mianpur village in Tarn Taran, Punjab, had reportedly engaged in radical activities under the pseudonym "Fateh Singh Baagi." However, his father, Joginder Singh, an ex-serviceman, refuted the allegations, stating that his son had no involvement in terrorism and emphasizing the family's history of serving the nation.
United Kingdom 24-Dec-2024
Rhian Shillabeer, Communications Officer for the Directorate of Defence Communications at the United Kingdom's (UK) Ministry of Defence, on December 24, refuted claims made by the Punjab Police regarding British Army soldier Jagjeet Singh alias Fateh Singh Baaghi, being involved in terrorist activities in India. Shillabeer clarified that no individual by that name was currently serving in the British Army and added that the photograph released by Punjab Police did not correspond to the name provided. Despite this, Punjab Police stood by their investigation, asserting its credibility and stating that the issue would be formally addressed with British authorities through official channels.
India 24-Dec-2024
A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on December 24 sentenced three former police officers—Gurbachan Singh, the former Station House Officer (SHO) of Tarn Taran Police Station, Sub-Inspector Resham Singh, and Sub-Inspector Hans Raj—to life imprisonment in connection with the 1992 case of kidnapping and a fake encounter in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. In addition to the life sentences, the officers were also fined and ordered to pay INR 2 lakh each in compensation to the families of the deceased.
India 24-Dec-2024
An investigation by ThePrint has revealed that Jagjeet Singh, a British soldier suspected of leading the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) module responsible for the December 18 grenade attack in Punjab, was formerly a member of the Indian Army. His elder brother remains in service with the Indian Army, while their family resides in Tarn Taran, Punjab. Singh is alleged to have collaborated with Pakistan-based KZF chief Ranjeet Singh Neeta and Greece-based operative Jaswinder Singh Mannu. Authorities are also examining connections between the KZF and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), with a focus on shared suppliers of weapons and explosives.
India 24-Dec-2024
The police on December 24 arrested four members of the Landa Harikey gang, identified as Kuldeep Singh alias Ladu, Yadwinder Singh alias Yada, Prabhdeep Singh alias Judge and Pawandeep Singh after a brief encounter, and seized one .32-bore pistol and live cartridges from their possession, in Johal Dhai village in Tarn Taran district. Investigations revealed that the seized weapon belonged to Pawandeep Singh, a serving Punjab Police officer, who had mortgaged it for drugs.
India 25-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 25 recovered a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone from fields near Dhariwal village in Ajnala, Amritsar district.
India 25-Dec-2024
According to sources, following the killing of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists—Gurvinder Singh, Jasanpreet Singh, and Varinder Singh—in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh (UP), security agencies have intensified their search for local accomplices in the Terai region of UP.
India 25-Dec-2024
Chheharta police on December 25 arrested a drug peddler, Aniket Verma, and seized 192 grams of heroin, INR 10,150 in drug money, and a computer scale from his possession in Chheharta, Amritsar district.
India 25-Dec-2024
Punjab has experienced a significant rise in militant activity since November 2024, marked by grenade and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks targeting police establishments. Investigations have uncovered a nexus between pro-Khalistan groups such as Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and criminal gangs, many of which operate from abroad. Key figures, including Harwinder Singh Rinda and Arshdeep Singh, have been implicated in orchestrating these attacks, underscoring connections with international operatives and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
India 25-Dec-2024
Pilibhit Police on December 25 disclosed that three pro-Khalistan operatives killed in an encounter had stayed at a local hotel in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh (UP), using fake Aadhaar cards. Their movements were tracked during an extensive search operation, with efforts underway to identify a fourth individual captured on CCTV with them. Authorities are also probing their possible stay at a local gurdwara and with a relative in Lakhimpur, Lakhimpur Kheri district, UP. Autopsy reports are awaited to further the investigation.
India 25-Dec-2024
According to sources, in response to eight blasts targeting police stations, posts, and check posts last month, the Punjab Police is enhancing security measures around its establishments in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts. The measures include raising wall heights, constructing sentry posts, and installing nets on rooftops and boundary walls to mitigate the risk of grenade attacks.
India 25-Dec-2024
According to sources, Jatinder Singh alias Jyoti, arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Punjab terror conspiracy, had been living in Mumbai, Maharashtra, for four years and working as a crane operator at a metro construction site. Singh, an aide of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), is accused of supplying weapons to operatives linked to the group. Investigations have revealed that Singh was receiving cash payments from Khalistani sympathisers and maintaining contacts with known terrorists in Mumbai. Security agencies are probing his network and connections in Maharashtra, particularly in Navi Mumbai, where he had been hiding.
India 25-Dec-2024
According to sources, security forces have intensified operations to counter attempts to revive the Khalistan movement, driven by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed groups like the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). Intelligence reports indicate that the ISI is exploiting unrest along the Bangladesh and Jammu and Kashmir borders to divert India’s security focus while strengthening Khalistan-related activities in Punjab. Under the leadership of Ranjeet Singh Neeta, the KZF is actively recruiting youth with support from operatives in countries like Germany, the United States, and Canada. The group reportedly plans targeted attacks in Punjab, prompting a coordinated effort by police across states to neutralize the threat.
India 26-Dec-2024
Fazilka district police reported that in 2024, they registered 231 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arrested 348 individuals, and seized over 48 kilograms of heroin, 86 kilograms of opium, and other narcotics valued in crores. Authorities also attached assets worth INR 7.46 crore, recovered stolen weapons, and intensified efforts to counter smuggling from Pakistan and Rajasthan, underscoring the region’s role as a critical transit route.
India 26-Dec-2024
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 26 confirmed the detention of two suspects who aided three alleged Khalistani terrorists in Pilibhit. The agencies disclosed that the suspects helped the terrorists with fake identities and facilitated their movement using local networks. Investigators are also tracking a bus operator who allegedly assisted the trio's travel from Punjab to Pilibhit via Delhi. Authorities are intensifying efforts to uncover a potential pro-Khalistan network in the Terai region, which has been identified as a safe haven for extremists.
Australia 26-Dec-2024
On December 26, during the first day of the Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), clashes erupted outside the stadium as Indian fans confronted Khalistani supporters. The altercation was triggered by the Khalistani activists' anti-India slogans and alleged desecration of the Indian national flag. The protestors were seen waving Khalistani flags and chanting slogans, leading Victoria Police to step in and disperse the group. Indian fans expressed their disapproval, dismissing the protesters as a small group with no genuine connection to Punjab.
India 26-Dec-2024
According to sources, Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala and Lawrence Bishnoi share similar criminal origins but have diverged significantly in their operations. Dala (27), based in Canada, allegedly runs his syndicate in collaboration with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), focusing on extortion, targeted killings, and arms smuggling. On the other hand, Bishnoi (31) has expanded his criminal empire from jail, forging alliances with local and international gangs. Both syndicates reportedly use social media to glorify their crimes, recruit new members, and establish ties with pro-Khalistan groups for weapons and funding. This pattern has drawn comparisons to the notorious underworld operations in Mumbai during the 1990s.
India 26-Dec-2024
Rakesh Singh, the Inspector-General (IG) of Bareilly Range, on December 26, stated that Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police is strengthening security along the Nepal border following the killing of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists in Pilibhit. Singh confirmed that investigations are ongoing and emphasized the implementation of enhanced security measures in border regions to prevent the infiltration of terror elements. He also assured that action would be taken against anyone found aiding the terrorists, signaling a firm stance in addressing security threats in the area.
India 26-Dec-2024
Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri on December 26 condemned the threats issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to disrupt Mahakumbh and dismissed Pannun’s threats as “delusional” in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh (UP). He emphasised that the Mela is a symbol of unity, where both communities come together and criticised Pannun for attempting to create division between the Sikh and Hindu communities. Puri further warned that Pannun would be “beaten and driven out” if he dared to enter the Mahakumbh, calling the threats baseless and irrelevant.
India 26-Dec-2024
Amarjeet Singh, the owner of Gill Enterprises, voiced concerns on December 26 about inadequate background verification processes after the arrest of his employee, Jatinder Singh alias Jyoti, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Jatinder, a crane operator at the Mankhurd Metro construction site, was apprehended for alleged links to the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Singh stated that Jatinder had been hired based on his purported experience with Metro projects in Delhi, Lucknow, and Mumbai and noted that there were no prior complaints regarding his behaviour.
India 26-Dec-2024
Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, emphasized in an interview with Hindustan Times that the majority of Punjabis are non-radical, with only a small number being influenced by Pakistan's divisive agenda. He affirmed that Punjab's law and order situation remains among the best in India, despite challenges posed by external threats. Yadav highlighted the Punjab Police's consistent efforts to dismantle terror modules, curb organized crime, and combat the drug problem. He acknowledged ongoing attempts by Pakistan to revive militancy and disrupt peace in the state but assured that the police force remains vigilant and dedicated to maintaining public safety.
India 26-Dec-2024
Punjab Police on December 26 arrested three associates of a gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, identified as Manjit Singh, Amandeep Singh and Davinderpal Singh, following a brief encounter, and seized a 9 mm pistol, five .32-bore pistols and eight rounds of ammunition from their possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
India 26-Dec-2024
Ferozepur Police on December 26 arrested three drug smugglers, identified as Parmjeet Singh alias Pamma, Manish alias Saleem and Sukhwinder Singh alias Sukhha, and seized 400 grams of heroin, three illegal country-made pistols, seven cartridges, and two motorcycles from their possession, in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
India 27-Dec-2024
Punjab Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on December 27 in Chandigarh, announced the establishment of a high-security jail near Ludhiana with an investment of INR 100 crore to accommodate 300 high-risk prisoners. He highlighted enhanced security measures, including AI-based surveillance systems and V-Kavach jammers, alongside the installation of over 750 inmate calling systems and comprehensive CCTV coverage in sensitive areas. Bhullar also noted that 2,200 inmates are pursuing education as part of rehabilitation initiatives, with ongoing recruitment drives and psychological support programs for both inmates and staff.
India 27-Dec-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, on December 27, mourned the passing of former Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Manmohan Singh, describing it as a significant loss to the nation. Mann lauded Dr. Singh's pivotal role in reviving India’s economy during the 1990s. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and leaders Harjot Singh Bains and Kultar Singh Sandhwan also paid heartfelt tributes, praising Dr. Singh’s humility and his invaluable contributions to the country.
India 27-Dec-2024
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Arun Giri Maharaj, head of the Awahan Akhada, was injured in a road accident near Nawabganj, Uttar Pradesh (UP), approximately 25 km from Prayagraj, on December 27 while traveling to the Kumbh Mela. Hospitalized for treatment, the religious leader raised suspicions of a possible conspiracy, alleging that pro-Khalistan elements might have been involved due to his vocal opposition to Khalistani supporters in Punjab and his advocacy for Sanatan Dharma. Authorities are investigating the incident to ascertain the cause of the accident.
India 27-Dec-2024
On December 27, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) announced that former Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Manmohan Singh would be accorded a State funeral with full military honours at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi. The Congress party criticised the decision, arguing that the site was unsuitable for India’s first Sikh Prime Minister and called for a location where a permanent memorial could be established. In response, the government assured that a separate memorial site would be designated in the coming days to honour Dr. Singh's legacy.
India 27-Dec-2024
Police, on December 27, arrested one individual identified as Lakhwinder Singh alias Lakhi Kabutranwala, and seized 170 intoxicating pills from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 27-Dec-2024
Police on December 27 arrested one individual, identified as Bohad Singh and seized 5 grams of heroin, 300 sedative tablets, and INR 6,800 in cash from his possession, in Abohar in Fazilka district.
India 27-Dec-2024
National farmer leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, on December 27, issued a statement calling for strict action against Khalistani supporters allegedly backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Grewal specifically mentioned individuals such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia, Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, and Gurdev Singh Jassal. He condemned Pannun, labeling him a "self-proclaimed leader" attempting to disrupt communal harmony in India, particularly after Pannun's video threat to disrupt the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Grewal emphasized that Pannun's divisive tactics would fail and urged India's youth to reject such narratives.
India 27-Dec-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on December 27, disclosed that a UK-based Haryana youth, identified as Siddhu, had contacted two individuals from Pilibhit, Sunny and Manoj, via the social media platform X on December 20 to arrange accommodation for three suspected militants. These militants, later killed in an encounter in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, were linked to the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) and its Pakistan-based leader, Ranjeet Singh Neeta. The suspects had been staying in Pilibhit with assistance from local contacts. Meanwhile, UK authorities denied any connection to British Army soldier Jagjeet Singh, whose name had also emerged during the investigation.
United Kingdom 28-Dec-2024
According to a report by MailOnline, a Sikh Indian family comprising Gurbakhsh Singh (72), Ardet Kaur (68), Guljeet Singh (43), and Kawaljeet Kaur (37) has been charged with multiple immigration offences in the United Kingdom (UK). The family is accused of posing as Afghans to claim asylum after entering the UK on December 23, 2023. Allegations state that they falsely identified as Afghan nationals despite having their previous visa applications as Indians refused. The accused pleaded not guilty at Croydon Magistrates' Court and opted for a jury trial, scheduled to commence at Croydon Crown Court on January 2, 2025.
India 28-Dec-2024
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police disclosed that on December 28, a local businessman, Malkeet Singh, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Kulveer Singh Sidhu, an operative of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and two associates for making extortion calls in Pilibhit. According to the FIR, Sidhu and his accomplices demanded INR 10 lakh from the complainant, threatening him with violence. Investigations revealed that Sidhu was allegedly involved in arranging a hotel room for the three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) militants killed in an encounter in Pilibhit on December 23.
India 28-Dec-2024
According to Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police, the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) facilitated the stay of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) operatives killed in a crossfire in Pilibhit, UP. Acting under the directives of wanted BKI operative Kulbeer Singh, the trio was linked to grenade attacks in Punjab. They reportedly used fake Aadhaar identities for their stay, arranged by a local accomplice, Jaspal Singh alias Sunny, who has been arrested. Investigations are underway to trace their movements, identify the source of their weapons, and ascertain the motive behind their presence in the region.
India 28-Dec-2024
Punjab police on December 28 arrested two members of a narco-terror module being operated by foreign-based handlers who had also lobbed a hand-grenade at the Islamabad area police station in Amritsar on December 17, identified as Gurjeet Singh and Baljit Singh, and seized 1.4 kg heroin, one hand grenade and two sophisticated pistols - one 9 mm Zigana and one 9 mm Glock pistol along with ammunition from their possession, in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The module was run by United States (US) based Sandeep Singh alias Seepu and Pakistan-based operatives. Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Jeevan Fauji, based abroad, had claimed responsibility for the attack on social media.
India 28-Dec-2024
Police on December 28 arrested two unidentified Nihang Sikhs for allegedly attacking an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), near Gurdwara Sheesh Ganj Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The ASI, Harminder Singh, reported that the accused, while assaulting a boy with kirpans and sticks, turned on him when he intervened to save the boy.
India 28-Dec-2024
The Sadar police on December 28 arrested three individuals, including one identified as Kashori, while the other two remain unidentified, for selling "chitta" (heroin) in Shahbazpur village in Amritsar district. The arrests were made based on a complaint lodged with a video clipping on the state government's anti-drug portal under the "Safe Punjab" campaign.
India 28-Dec-2024
Ludhiana police on December 28 revealed that Kanwarpal Singh alias Mintu, arrested on December 26 with 5 kg of heroin, had sourced the drug from Pakistan. The consignment was delivered near the Wagah border via a Ludhiana-based intermediary, Sam, who remains at large. A subsequent search of Mintu's residence led to the recovery of an additional 4.755 kg of heroin. Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend Sam and trace the broader network involved.
India 28-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 28 recovered 534 grams of heroin from fields near Palpate village in Tarn Taran district.
India 29-Dec-2024
Punjab Police, on December 29, arrested two individuals, Anmol Preet and Navjot Singh, in connection with the murder of Jaswant Singh Gill, a murder convict on parole, who was shot dead during an evening walk in Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh (MP), on November 7, in Gwalior in MP. The police revealed that the primary suspect, Satyapal, is currently residing in Canada. The suspects are linked to Canadian gangster Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dala. Both individuals are under interrogation by Punjab Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to explore further connections and the broader network behind the crime.
India 29-Dec-2024
Farmer unions, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM-Non-Political), have called for a Punjab Bandh on December 30 to protest against the rising issue of farmer suicides. The bandh, scheduled from 7 AM to 4 PM, will involve blocking roads and halting the supply of milk, vegetables, and other essentials to cities. Government and private institutions will remain closed, except for emergency services. The protest has garnered support from various unions, including the All India Kisan Congress (AIKS), to bring attention to the plight of farmers.
India 29-Dec-2024
Police on December 29 arrested five members of the notorious gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, identified as Gurmeet Singh alias Rawal, Harpal Singh, Lovepreet Singh alias NP, Shamsher Singh alias Shera Passian and Sandeep Singh alias Goli and seized one 9mm Glock pistol, two .32 bore pistols and one country-made pistol along with 15 live cartridges and three magazines, along with their Hyundai Creta car from their possession, in Khabbe Dogran in Tarn Taran district. The gangsters were planning targeted killings, with weapons supplied by Bhagwanpuria. Investigations are ongoing to trace further connections and crimes linked to the group.
India 29-Dec-2024
Police on December 29 arrested two associates of gangster Prabh Dasuwal, identified as Rajdeep Singh alias Raja and Kajal, for allegedly demanding an INR 30 lakh ransom from goldsmith Lovepreet Singh on behalf of Dasuwal in Amritsar.
India 29-Dec-2024
According to official sources, the use of drones for trafficking heroin, arms, and ammunition remains a significant challenge for the Border Security Force (BSF) and other intelligence agencies in 2024. The BSF intercepted 286 drones along the 553-km India-Pakistan border in Punjab, with 164 seizures made in Amritsar and 75 in Tarn Taran. The contraband smuggled included 280 kg of heroin, 36 pistols, and explosives intended for attacks on police establishments. Despite the implementation of counter-drone measures, many drones manage to return undetected after delivering their consignments, suggesting involvement from Pakistan-based agencies.
India 29-Dec-2024
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police revealed on December 29 that Kulveer Singh Sidhu, an operative of the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with a INR 10 lakh bounty from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was the primary financier of the three Khalistani terrorists killed in an encounter in Pilibhit on December 23. Sidhu, who fled India in 2018, is accused of arranging fake Aadhaar cards and facilitating the militants' stay at a Pilibhit hotel. Authorities are now probing the broader network supporting Khalistani activities in the region.
India 29-Dec-2024
Unidentified assailants opened fire on the car of Sikh activist Bakshish Singh near the Patiala South Bypass in Patiala district on December 29. Singh, known for his advocacy on issues concerning Sikh prisoners, escaped the attack unscathed.
India 29-Dec-2024
Punjab Police on December 29 dismantled a Pakistan-ISI-backed terror module operated by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) under the direction of foreign-based operatives Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Shamsher alias Honey, and arrested five operatives, identified as Abhijot Singh, Kuljit Singh, Rohit alias Ghessi, Shubham, and Gurjinder Singh alias Raja and seized one 9mm Glock pistol and one .32 bore pistol in Batala, Gurdaspur district. Investigations are ongoing to trace the network's broader links and activities.
India 29-Dec-2024
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police on December 29 filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Gursewak Singh, a Sikh man from Haryana's Sirsa, at Nagar Kotwali Police Station in Bijnor district for allegedly posting pictures of himself carrying weapons on social media and expressing support for Khalistan. The action follows heightened vigilance after the killing of three suspected Khalistan supporters in a joint encounter by UP and Punjab Police in Pilibhit. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to taking strict measures against the dissemination of inflammatory content on social media platforms.
India 30-Dec-2024
The Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, a central body of Singh Sabha Gurdwaras, on December 30 demanded the installation of a statue of General Zorawar Singh in Ladakh to honour his significant contributions during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's military campaigns.
India 30-Dec-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on December 30 in Chandigarh that all eight bomb blast cases targeting police installations in the state have been solved, with fourteen members of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) arrested. The attacks were orchestrated by terror modules linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and handlers based in the United States (US), Canada, and Europe, involving the use of grenades and RDX. The ISI-backed BKI module was operated by Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Shamsher alias Honey, with mastermind Abhijot Singh among those apprehended.
India 30-Dec-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on December 30, revealed the existence of a nexus involving drug smugglers, terrorists, and gangsters, supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which is actively recruiting unemployed youth for criminal and terror activities. In 2024, Punjab Police dismantled 13 terror modules and 200 gangster modules, leading to 559 arrests and 64 encounters, marking significant strides in countering organized crime and terrorism in the state.
India 30-Dec-2024
On December 30, an audio clip surfaced featuring a conversation in which a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Goldy Brar, threatened Punjab’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bikram Singh Brar for deploying informers against the gang. In his reaction, DSP Brar dismissed the threats, asserting that the police will continue to take lawful actions and emphasized Goldy Brar's involvement in criminal and terror activities, including the 2022 Mohali RPG attack.
India 30-Dec-2024
On December 30, a state-wide bandh called by kisan unions in support of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who had been on a hunger strike for 35 days demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) on crops, resulted in a complete halt of road and rail traffic across Punjab. The bandh, which lasted from 7 am to 4 pm, saw significant disruptions, with key roads and toll plazas blocked, affecting daily life in the Malwa, Doaba, and Majha regions.
India 30-Dec-2024
According to official sources, an intensified crackdown on drug peddlers in Punjab's Ferozepur district in 2024 resulted in a notable reduction in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The police arrested 317 individuals in 244 cases, recovering significant quantities of narcotics, including 63 kilograms of heroin. Compared to the previous year, the district witnessed a decline in arrests and drug seizures, attributed to a comprehensive strategy employing special teams, advanced technology, and preventive actions. Authorities also reported progress in curbing illegal liquor trade and mining activities, further enhancing the district's law enforcement efforts.
India 30-Dec-2024
Police revealed that Gurjeet Singh and Baljit Singh, the main suspects in the December 17 hand grenade attack on the Islamabad police station, are relatives of US-based drug smuggler Sandeep Singh alias Seepu. Initially involved in cross-border drug trafficking, the suspects were recruited for the attack by terrorist Jeevan Fauji. After the blast, they hid at a house in Khasa, where a hand grenade was subsequently recovered. Investigations further revealed that the duo planned to receive payment for the attack through the sale of 1.4 kilograms of heroin.
India 31-Dec-2024
According to official sources, opioid (pharmaceutical drug) addiction in Punjab spiked over threefold in 2024, with the police seizing 2.94 crore pharma opioid units, a sharp increase from 83.17 lakh last year. However, heroin seizures saw a slight decline to 1,099 kg from 1,161 kg in 2023, attributed to a reduced supply from Afghanistan following the Taliban's heroin ban. Despite this, police registered fewer NDPS Act FIRs (8,935 vs 10,786) and made fewer arrests of smugglers (12,255 vs 14,951). In a significant move, the police forfeited 550 properties tied to drug trafficking and credited the transfer of 200 key smugglers to a Bathinda jail's zero-mobile network area for disrupting trafficking networks.
India 31-Dec-2024
Punjab Police Inspector General (IG) Sukhchain Singh Gill in Chandigarh, on December 31, revealed that in 2024, the Punjab Police had successfully busted 12 terror modules, arrested 66 terrorists, and recovered significant amounts of weapons and explosives, including 2 rifles, 76 pistols/revolvers, 2 tiffin IEDs, 4 hand grenades, 758 grams of RDX, and 257 drones. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) dismantled 198 gangster modules, resulting in 559 arrests, the seizure of 482 weapons, 102 vehicles, 7 kg heroin, and INR 2.14 crore in drug money. Additionally, the police reported the recovery of 1,099 kg heroin, 991 kg opium, 414 quintals of poppy husk, 2.94 lakh pharma opioids, and INR 14.73 crore in drug money from smugglers. Advanced AI-based CCTV systems were also deployed in 8 central jails, with plans for a new high-security jail near Ludhiana.
India 31-Dec-2024
In 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) achieved a 100% conviction rate, securing convictions for 68 accused in 25 cases decided by special courts. The agency arrested 210 individuals across 80 cases, with 28 individuals linked to Left-wing extremism and 18 connected to northeast insurgency. Additionally, the NIA conducted 662 raids nationwide, charge-sheeted 408 accused, and attached 137 properties worth INR 19.57 crore.
India 31-Dec-2024
Police on December 31 arrested two smugglers, identified as Vijay and Malkiat, and seized 30 kg of poppy husk from their possession near Narayanpura village in Abohar in Fazilka district. The duo admitted to smuggling the poppy husk from Rajasthan for retail distribution in rural areas.
India 31-Dec-2024
Jalandhar Commissionerate police on December 31 arrested four drug peddlers, identified as Karan alias Kana, Prem Singh, Rohit and Jabanpreet Singh alias Jagdeep Singh and seized 1 kg of heroin along with their Verna (PB07-BF-0015) from their possession, near Focal Point in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
India 31-Dec-2024
On December 31, a resolution by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned the encounter in Uttar Pradesh (UP) that resulted in the deaths of three Khalistani terrorists. The SGPC alleged that the encounter appeared to deliberately target Punjab's youth and demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. The resolution was passed during an executive committee meeting.
United Kingdom 31-Dec-2024
On December 31, pro-Khalistani protesters gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK), chanting controversial slogans such as "Kill Modi politics" and advocating for an independent Khalistan state. The demonstration, which was captured in a viral video, showed protesters waving Khalistani flags.
India 31-Dec-2024
On December 31, the Executive Committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) rejected its earlier resolution from December 9, which had called for the excommunication of Narain Singh Chaura from the Panth. Chaura, an ex-militant, had attempted to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal in Amritsar. The original resolution was passed following the incident, but in a meeting chaired by SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, the committee decided to revoke the excommunication decision.
India 31-Dec-2024
On December 31, an individual identified as Nasar Pathan threatened to carry out a blast at Mahakumbh-2025, aiming to kill 1,000 devotees, via a social media post, prompting the Mela police register a First Information Report (FIR) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP). This marked the second threat to Mahakumbh in two weeks, following a video released by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Security measures, including round-the-clock patrolling, have been intensified.
Pakistan 31-Dec-2024
A report by The Washington Post on December 31 alleged that India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has carried out a covert assassination program targeting six individuals in Pakistan since 2021. The operations reportedly relied on local intermediaries and informal financial networks to maintain deniability. While the missions in Pakistan were deemed successful, similar attempts in Western nations, including on Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, were reportedly thwarted by advanced counterintelligence measures. The report drew comparisons between RAW's tactics and those of Israel's Mossad, amid public accusations from Pakistan and consistent denials by India.