KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
20-Apr-2024
Mumbai Police on April 20 declared Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi as "wanted accused" in the shooting incident outside Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Gupta and Sagar Pal, who were previously arrested in connection with the shooting, allegedly received instructions from the Bishnoi brothers. While Lawrence is incarcerated at Sabarmati Central Prison in Gujarat, Anmol is believed to be in Canada or the United States (US).
20-Apr-2024
On April 20, following a deadly clash among prisoners at Sangrur district jail, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Harcharan Singh Bhullar announced a judicial probe into the matter during his visit to the prison in Sangrur, Punjab. The clash resulted in the deaths of two inmates, Harsh and Dharmender, while two others, Gagandeep Singh and Mohd Sehwaz, sustained injuries. Bhullar stated that the altercation stemmed from a previous argument, with a First Information Report (FIR) now registered against 10 individuals primarily involved in violent crimes. Investigations are underway to determine how weapons, including two small knives, a water pipe, and a tree branch, were brought into the jail premises.
20-Apr-2024
The intelligence wing of the Border Security Force (BSF) along with Punjab Police, on April 20, arrested an unidentified drug smuggler and seized INR 1.1 lakh from his possession in Ajnala market, Amritsar district. Initially, the suspect was found with INR 10 thousand, and during interrogation, he disclosed the whereabouts of an additional INR 1 lakh hidden in Samrai village, Dera Baba Nanak tehsil, Gurdaspur district, Punjab. This information led to the successful recovery of the hidden money.
20-Apr-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on April 20 recovered 3 packets of heroin weighing 2.220 kg from farming fields adjacent to Natha Singh Wala village in Fazilka district.
20-Apr-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on April 20 recovered 2.710 kg of heroin along with a drone from fields near Jangir Singh ki Dhani village in Ferozepur district.
19-Apr-2024
Police on April 19 arrested a youth, identified as Akashdeep Singh and seized 20 grams of opium and INR 25,000 drug money from his possession, near Balongi barrier in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
19-Apr-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 19 froze the immovable assets of key aide of Pakistan-based Sikh separatists involved in a 2021 motorcycle-borne explosion in Punjab, identified as Surat Singh, in Mahatam Nagar village in Fazilka district. The blast took place on September 15, 2021 in a Bajaj Platina bike in Jalalabad. Singh, designated as a key associate of Habib Khan and the terrorist Lakhveer Singh, had a significant role in a narco-terror racket aimed at destabilizing the region. He utilized encrypted communication channels and fake IDs to facilitate logistical and financial aspects of terrorist activities, leading to his indictment along with Khan and Lakhveer Singh by the NIA.
19-Apr-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 19 recovered a packet containing about 500 grams of heroin along with a China-made drone, near Neshta village in Amritsar district.
19-Apr-2024
The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate on April 19 thwarted planned target killings by apprehending two gangsters from the Bambiha gang, identified as Anil Kumar (alias Rocky) and Mukesh Sharma (alias Munna) and seized 1 kg of opium, three pistols, five magazines, and nine cartridges from the duo in Kabir Nagar area, Jalandhar district. Rocky was caught with a pistol, a magazine, and three live cartridges, leading to Munna's arrest in Delhi's Karol Bagh area. Munna was found with 1 kg of opium, two pistols, four magazines, and six cartridges during his apprehension.
19-Apr-2024
On April 19, for the third consecutive day, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) organized a 'rail roko' protest near Shambhu railway station in Patiala district, Punjab. A panchayat is scheduled in Jind district on April 22 to address the arrests of three farmers and alleged police atrocities during previous protests, leading to an open debate invitation extended to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on April 23 at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh.
19-Apr-2024
On April 19, two inmates of Sangrur District Jail, identified as Harsh and Dharminder Singh, lost their lives and two others, identified as Gagandeep Singh and Mohammad Sehbag, sustained serious injuries after an alleged altercation among inmates broke out at the Sangrur District Jail in Sangrur. The police could not ascertain the cause of the fight, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.
19-Apr-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court responded to a petition by Punjabi singer Jaskaran Singh Grewal on April 19, directing the police to provide two security personnel to him, citing threats allegedly received from unknown individuals on Instagram in Chandigarh. The court's directive will remain effective until at least May 16, which is the next hearing date. In his petition, Grewal emphasized the seriousness of the threats, citing his brotherly bond with Subhdeep Singh alias Sidhu Moose Wala and suggesting a potential link to Moose Wala's status and their association.
19-Apr-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on April 19 recovered a pistol without a magazine, from the fields near the International Border (IB), on the outskirts of Bharopal village in Amritsar district.
19-Apr-2024
Police on April 19 arrested a sharpshooter of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gangster syndicate, identified as Sachin alias Chichad, and seized one semi-automatic sophisticated pistol of .32 bore with four live cartridges from his possession, near Mangolpuri Industrial Area in North West Delhi district in Delhi. Sachin was wanted in a recent firing incident in Kurukshetra in Haryana where he was allegedly tasked to intimidate witnesses by setting fire to the victim's house, had come to Delhi on the syndicate's orders.
18-Apr-2024
In a significant breakthrough, the police recently dismantled a complex global drug smuggling network originating from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh (HP), led by a Delhi-based interstate drug smuggler and software engineer identified as Sandeep Shah, by arresting two individuals, identified as Veer Singh and Santosh Kumar alias Gappa with large quantities of chitta (heroin) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (HP). The operation utilized WhatsApp for communication and coordination, taking advantage of the platform’s anonymity and encryption. The network’s modus operandi involved discreetly ordering potent narcotics like heroin on WhatsApp and dispatching them through courier services disguised within innocuous parcels.
18-Apr-2024
The police and the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on April 18 arrested two individuals associated with the Bambiha gang, identified as Anmoldeep Singh and Gurmeet Singh and seized two pistols, 10 cartridges, and a car in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in Punjab.
18-Apr-2024
According to sources, the recent arrest of two shooters allegedly involved in firing outside actor Salman Khan’s residence and linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s syndicate has revealed a new modus operandi. Traditionally targeting vulnerable minors, the syndicate has now turned to luring unsuspecting labourers with promises of lucrative rewards. Operating from abroad, the gang coordinates its activities, with individuals overseas instructing recruits to carry out orders. Utilizing internet-based services and international coordination, the syndicate engages in various criminal activities, including extortion and smuggling, with Bishnoi orchestrating operations from prison and channelling funds abroad.
18-Apr-2024
Noida Police on April 18 arrested three members of the Bawariya Gang identified as Sher Singh alias Sheru, Sunny Sharma alias Rampal, and Daya Sagar and seized three pistols, cartridges, ten chains weighing approximately 100 grams and valued at INR 8 to 9 lakh, a stolen motorcycle, and a car from their possession in Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The suspects were involved in crimes across multiple cities, including Jaipur, Haridwar, Sitapur, and the National Capital Region (NCR).
17-Apr-2024
Malerkotla Police recently attached movable and immovable properties belonging to three drug peddlers identified as Khushi Mohammad, Mohammad Nazir, and Mohammad Sehbaz, with a total value of INR 1,78,77,000, in Malerkotla district, Punjab. The police seized these properties located in Chamrian Wala Khoo, Abbaspura, and Jamalpura villages in Malerkotla district, following approval from competent authorities in Delhi. These properties, constructed between 2021 and 2023, were acquired using proceeds from illegal drug trafficking activities. Furthermore, the police have identified eight additional cases involving properties worth crores for potential attachment.
17-Apr-2024
Police on April 17 arrested one suspect, identified as Dildar Singh and seized one pistol, along with ammunition and INR 9,80,000 from his possession, in Jethuwal Village in Amritsar district in Punjab. During interrogation, Dildar Singh disclosed that he obtained the pistol from Vishal, who was detained in Kurukshetra District Jail, Haryana. Vishal admitted to possessing a .32 bore pistol and a country-made pistol, which he acquired due to his affiliation with the Bambiha gang and involvement in arms procurement from Madhya Pradesh (MP). Acting on this information, the police recovered the pistols from Vishal's residence.
17-Apr-2024
Punjab Police on April 17 dismantled an interstate drug cartel operating from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), arresting three individuals, Gurjant Singh alias Ravi, Simarjit Singh alias Nikka Bath, and Jaspreet Singh along with 8 kg of heroin and INR 5 lakh in drug money near Madhopur in Pathankot district, Punjab. Gurjant and Simarjit were apprehended on April 17, while Jaspreet was detained on April 22. Further investigations revealed Harpal Singh alias Bittu Bhalwan, a UK-based B-category gangster, as the alleged mastermind orchestrating the network remotely.
16-Apr-2024
Police on April 16 revealed that the two men arrested for the murder of Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP's) Nangal unit president Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga, identified as Mandeep Kumar alias Mangi, and Surinder Kumar alias Rikka were jobless, and they were lured by money to serve as foot soldiers for a terror module backed by a Pakistan-based organization.
16-Apr-2024
Punjab Police on April 16 solved the murder case of Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP’s) Nangal unit president Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga, by arresting two accused individuals identified as Mandeep Kumar alias Mangi, and Surinder Kumar alias Rikka and recovering two 32-bore pistols, 16 live cartridges, one empty used cartridge, and a TVS Jupiter scooty used in the crime from their possession in Rupnagar district. Additionally, the police uncovered the suspects’ involvement in a terror module supported by Pakistan-based masterminds. The investigation further revealed that the murder was planned with the involvement of foreign entities based in Pakistan and Portugal.
16-Apr-2024
A Special Task Force (STF) of the Police on April 16 arrested four drug peddlers, including three women, identified as Jhony Kumar, his wife Parjeta, his mother Neelam Khosla and Sonia Rani, and seized 800 grams of heroin, INR 2 lakh drug money and a Ford Endeavour from their possession, at Hambran road near Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. Acting on a tip-off, the STF intercepted the accused as they were transporting heroin from Shahkot to Ludhiana via Hambran Road in the Ford Endeavour, leading to their arrest.
16-Apr-2024
Punjab and Kaushambi Police on April 16 arrested a member of an international crime syndicate identified as Ghanshyam Vishwakarma, for his involvement in firing at a trader's establishment in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, with the intention of extorting INR 5 crore, in Baiskati village in Kaushambi district in Uttar Pradesh (UP). Vishwakarma, who is a rival of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is affiliated with the Kaushal Chaudhary gang, known for its global criminal activities. He faces charges in multiple states.
16-Apr-2024
Police on April 16 froze properties worth INR 76.55 lakh belonging to a drug smuggler named Sukhchain Singh alias Sonu, in Bhakhra village in Ferozepur district. Singh was charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2012 when 500 grams of heroin were seized from him. As a result of the operation, his residential property valued at INR 72.48 lakh, a pickup van worth INR 3.52 lakh, and a bank account containing INR 55,375 were seized.
16-Apr-2024
The police on April 16 arrested a member of the notorious Jitender Gogi syndicate, identified as Piyush Barela alias Sunny, and seized an illegal semi-automatic sophisticated pistol loaded with three bullets from the Manglapuri area in South West Delhi, Delhi. According to the police, Sunny was apprehended while en route to assassinate a rival gang member and had been recruited for this task by gangsters Rohit and Monu Dagar.
15-Apr-2024
Recent intelligence reports indicate a leadership vacuum within pro-Khalistani entities, leading to a dilemma, with only a few advocating violence. Several meetings have been held in the United States (US) and Canada to identify new leaders, including Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Disunity among Khalistani sympathizers is evident, with Pakistan-backed groups intensifying efforts in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. Indian agencies are closely monitoring these activities, warning against violent protests outside Indian consulates, and expressing concerns over human trafficking by pro-Khalistani elements.
15-Apr-2024
On April 15, India and the United Kingdom (UK) discussed expediting action under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and prioritizing extradition requests at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in New Delhi. Notable fugitives sought by Indian agencies, such as Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Sanjay Bhandari, along with Khalistani separatists and terrorist sympathizers, are based in the UK. CBI Director Praveen Sood and UK representatives, including Acting High Commissioner Christina Scott, along with Interpol Secretary-General candidate Stephen Kavanagh, discussed enhancing operational collaboration, criminal intelligence sharing, and combating financial crimes, terrorism, cybercrime, and transnational threats.
15-Apr-2024
The recent firing incident at Salman Khan's Mumbai residence has spotlighted the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, with Anmol Bishnoi, a syndicate member, claiming responsibility. Their international reach was evident in the gunfire at Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal's Canada residence in November 2023. Lawrence Bishnoi's connections with Haryana's Kala Jathedi and other criminals highlight their extensive operations, including extortion and orchestrating attacks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge sheet reveals Bishnoi's remote control of operations from jail and funding pro-Khalistan extremists abroad. Anmol Bishnoi's warning to Salman Khan signifies escalating tensions, showcasing the syndicate's bold tactics.
15-Apr-2024
Barnala Police on April 15 busted an inter-state drug racket, arresting one individual identified as Vikram Kumar and seizing a truck carrying 2100 kg of poppy husk near Dhanaula in Barnala district in Punjab.
15-Apr-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of Punjab Police of April 15 arrested three drug peddlers having links with cross border drug smugglers, identified as Manjit Singh alias Mani, Rohit Sethi and Bhuvnesh Chopra alias Ashish, and seized 7 kg of heroin along with INR 36 lakh drug money, one .32 bore pistol with 5 live rounds, one .315 bore rifle with 5 live rounds and magazine and two .30 bore pistols with 10 rounds and magazine, from their possession in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
15-Apr-2024
Police on April 15 arrested an individual identified as Karamjit Singh alias Mann alias Gola alias Gurdial Singh, and seized 220 grams of heroin and INR 1.65 lakh drug money from his possession, near Bandala village in Ferozepur district.
15-Apr-2024
Police on April 15 arrested two persons, identified as Manpreet Singh and Musami and seized 6 kg of poppy husk from their truck at GT Road, near Fatehgarh Sahib in Fatehgarh Sahib district. The contraband was hidden in a specially designed box under the rear seat of the truck’s cabin.
15-Apr-2024
Police on April 15 arrested one person identified as Amrik Singh and seized 1 kg of opium from his truck, at Tarkhan Majra T-point near Tarkhan Majra village in Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib district.
15-Apr-2024
Police on April 15 arrested 12 gang members of the Lakhbir Singh Landa group, identified as Jasvir Singh Jassa, Maninder Singh, Gurjit Singh, Yuvraj Kumar, Angrez Singh, Manpreet Singh, Dharminder Singh, Jaspreet Singh, Balwinder Singh, Sukhpreet Singh, Harjit Singh and Vishal, and seized two pistols, 26 bullets and a motorcycle from their possession, in Kapurthala in Kapurthala district. The gang, led by Lakhbir Singh Landa and his United Kingdom (UK) based associate Harjit Singh Bhandal, the gang recruited local criminals for their illicit activities, and targeted affluent individuals, making ransom demands via phone calls in Kapurthala and nearby areas.
14-Apr-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on April 14 unveiled plans to introduce QR code technology into the printing of Guru Granth Sahib scriptures, aiming to enhance accuracy and provide information. The executive committee of the SGPC also introduced leave policies for employees, and approved funding for a civil services training academy.
14-Apr-2024
Punjab Police on April 14 conducted ‘Operation Seal-VI’ at the state's borders from 8 am to 2 pm to curb the inflow of drugs and liquor during the Lok Sabha election campaign and seized INR 10 lakh cash, 110 kilograms of poppy husk, 1 kg of opium, 24 grams of heroin, and 228 litres of illicit liquor. The operation involved 1,500 police personnel manning 220 checkpoints across 10 border districts: Pathankot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ropar, Mohali, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur, and Bathinda. The police searched 5,137 vehicles, impounded 22, fined 200, arrested 44 individuals, and filed 42 First Information Reports (FIRs).
14-Apr-2024
On April 14, Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for firing at Salman Khan's home and issued a warning that next time, the bullets won't miss their mark, through Facebook post, shortly after the firing incident at Salma Khan's home in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Earlier, two bike-borne unidentified men, fired multiple rounds at actor Salman Khan’s Bandra residence. The incident led to increased security measures around Khan, who has been receiving death threats for years.
14-Apr-2024
On April 14, approximately 3,000 participants took part in the "Vaisakhi 5K Run," highlighting the theme of 'Say no to drugs,' in New Delhi.
14-Apr-2024
Police on April 14 arrested a Khalistani terrorist belonging to Khalistan Commando Force (KCF), identified as Parminder Singh Rana from Dingrian village in Jalandhar district of Punjab. Rana, a close associate of KCF chief Sukhdev Singh alias Sukha, had been evading authorities since being declared an absconder in the 1980s. He had been living clandestinely in Rajasthan following Sukha's demise. The arrest was made based on a tip-off received by the police.
13-Apr-2024
Police on April 13 arrested an India Reserve Battalion constable posted at Amritsar Central Jail, identified as Mangat Singh Patti and seized 50 grams of heroin and tobacco from his possession in Amritsar district.
13-Apr-2024
A research team from the Jallianwala Bagh Chair at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) recently uncovered 57 additional names of martyrs from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, bringing the total count to 434 in Amritsar, Punjab. Led by Dr. Amandeep Kaur Bal and Dr. Dilbag Singh, the research project, commissioned by the Punjab Government, meticulously verified claims and documents across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh (HP).
13-Apr-2024
Police on April 13 arrested one person identified as Baj Singh and seized one country-made pistol and one cartridge from his possession, at Sheron village in Tarn Taran district.
13-Apr-2024
Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP’s) Nangal unit president, Vikas Prabhakar alias Vikas Bagga, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in his confectionery shop in Nangal, Rupnagar district, Punjab, on April 13. Police are investigating multiple angles, including premeditated murder, and analyzing CCTV footage for leads. The community is deeply saddened by this crime and seeks justice for Vikas Prabhakar's tragic death.
13-Apr-2024
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath on April 13 while celebrating Baisakhi at Naka Hindola Gurudwara in Lucknow, expressed gratitude to the Sikh Gurus for their sacrifices, emphasizing the country's enduring appreciation and lauding their contributions to protecting religion and the nation. He also highlighted the significance of Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj's establishment of the Khalsa Panth.
13-Apr-2024
Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (ad hoc) (HSGMC) spokesman Kawaljeet Singh on April 13 announced in Kurukshetra district, Haryana that the government has revoked its directive to banks regarding HSGMC transactions. The government had earlier instructed banks to suspend all financial transactions, which led to issues with staff salaries and gurdwara supplies. After protests and discussions between HSGMC representatives and the government, the directive has been withdrawn, restoring normal operations.
13-Apr-2024
In a joint operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of Punjab Police on April 13 arrested an unidentified drug smuggler and seized 30 grams of gold and INR 3 lakh in cash from his residence in Muhar Jamsher village, Fazilka district. According to the BSF, the coordinated efforts led to the apprehension of the suspected individual, who has a history of involvement in narcotics smuggling.
12-Apr-2024
Police on April 12 arrested one unidentified drug peddler and seized 500 grams of heroin from his possession, near Sarai Amanat Khan in Tarn Taran district.
12-Apr-2024
Khalra police on April 12 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Lovepreet Singh Labha and Karanpreet Singh Karan and seized 200 grams of heroin from their possession, in Khalra village in Tarn Taran district.