KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
01-Apr-2024
Police on April 1 arrested two individuals identified as Harnam Singh and Amrit Pal Singh alias Ravi and seized one HE-36 hand grenade and a .32 bore revolver, along with an SUV (PB 03-6069), from their possession on the outskirts of Rurki Kalan village in Malerkotla district, Punjab. Further investigations are underway to determine their intent and potential accomplices.
01-Apr-2024
The Assam police on April 1 arrested the owner of a dhaba (eatery), identified as Gurmukh Singh, for displaying posters of Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, along with posters of Sidhu Moose Wala and Khalistani flags, in Bongaigaon district in Assam.
01-Apr-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on April 1 emphasized that India's national security interests were at stake in the investigation into allegations regarding a government official's involvement in a scheme aimed at targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Jaishankar's statement follows United States (US) Ambassador Eric Garcetti's assertion on March 31 of such involvement being an "unacceptable red line." Jaishankar stated that the Indian government is actively investigating the matter.
01-Apr-2024
On April 1, late at night, unidentified individuals fired gunshots at the residence of Punjabi singer Sahil Shah in the Buta Mandi area of Jalandhar in Jalandhar district, Punjab. Shah had been receiving threat calls in recent days and found bullet marks on his house's gate upon returning from Chandigarh. He also stated facing pressure from gangsters to collaborate with them. Police recovered a bullet shell from the scene.
31-Mar-2024
United States (US) ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on March 31, in an interview with ANI, emphasised the 'red line' that should not be crossed between India and the US amidst the investigation into the alleged foiled assassination plot against US citizen and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He highlighted the distinction in freedom of speech between the US and India, emphasising that criminal conviction in the US requires action, not just speech. Garcetti stressed that no government employee of any country should be involved in such plots, highlighting it as an unacceptable violation of sovereignty and rights. He reiterated the commitment to working with India, ensuring that any criminal accusations meet the threshold for a successful outcome under US law. He also addressed recent threats made by Pannun against Air India and the Indian Parliament, underscoring the importance of respecting boundaries in international relations. Additionally, he advocated vigilance for Indian students studying in the US and reassured the safety of American college towns despite challenges, attributing increased awareness of incidents to social media.
31-Mar-2024
The police stated on March 30 that five individuals, including a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, have been booked following the killing of Baba Tarsem Singh, the dera kar seva chief of Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara in Nanakmatta, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand. The FIR includes the two assailants, Sarabjit Singh and Amarjeet Singh, along with the retired IAS officer and the head of the Nanakmatta Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Harbans Singh Chugh, Baba Anup Singh, and Pritam Singh Sandhu, the vice-president of a regional Sikh outfit.
31-Mar-2024
According to reports, in Sriganganagar Lok Sabha constituency in Rajasthan and Fazilka district in Punjab, authorities are alarmed by a surge in narcotics smuggling ahead of upcoming elections. Most recent arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Sriganganagar involved individuals from Punjab, particularly in areas bordering Fazilka district. Significant seizures include 40.3 kg of opium in Sangaria in Rajasthan and 653 kg of poppy husk in Hanumangarh in Rajasthan, both involving Punjab-registered vehicles. In Fazilka district, 14 arrests have been made since March 24, resulting in the seizure of 9.955 kg of heroin, 16.5 kg of poppy husk, 420 drug pills, and drug money amounting to INR 20,700. The crackdown aims to tighten vigilance and curb drug trafficking ahead of the elections.
31-Mar-2024
A drug smuggler identified as Gurlal Singh alias Gullu, who was arrested with 40kg heroin by the special task force (STF) of Ludhiana Range in 2018, was recently awarded 12-year rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of INR 1 lakh in Punjab. The STF had revealed his connections with cross-border smugglers for procuring heroin to distribute in Punjab.
31-Mar-2024
Police on March 31 busted an inter-state illegal arms smuggling racket and arrested four members identified as Gurmanjot Singh, Kuldeep Singh alias Manak, Sukhchain Singh, and Sandeep Singh and seized nine .32 bore country-made pistols and eight live cartridges from their possession near Patran-Khanauri road near Patran in Patiala district. The police revealed that they acted on credible intelligence regarding arms smugglers transporting illegal weapons from Sendhwan in Barwani district, Madhya Pradesh, to engage in criminal activities in Punjab.
31-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 31 recovered a China-made drone, from farming fields near Havellian village in Tarn Taran district.
31-Mar-2024
Malerkotla police, as part of efforts to combat the drug menace in the region, have decided to expedite the process of attaching movable and immovable properties of five individuals booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Properties worth over INR 6.91 crore have been evaluated for attachment, with INR 4.083 crore already seized. Immovable properties belonging to Akashdeep Singla and Yogesh Bansal, estimated to be worth INR 4.0837 crore, were seized recently after receiving approval from competent authorities in Delhi. Additionally, modalities for attaching properties of three other accused, worth INR 2.83 crore, are nearing completion.
30-Mar-2024
Police on March 30 busted an international drug racket being operated from Goindwal Jail in Goindwal, Tarn Taran district, and arrested five youths identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Gora, Harmandeep Singh alias Happy, Charanjit Singh, Germanpreet Singh, and Lovejit Singh alias Rahul and seized 3 kg of heroin, INR 50,000 in drug money, and a pistol with three cartridges from their possession in Amritsar district. Investigations revealed that the suspects lacked prior criminal records and had been involved in the drug trade for six months. The cartel was being operated by a Goindwal Sahib jail inmate who had links with Pakistan-based narco suppliers with the pseudonyms Kala and Rana.
30-Mar-2024
The Indian government recently blocked access to a documentary titled ‘Sikhs, Spies, and Murder: Investigating India’s Alleged Hit on Foreign Soil’, produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, which implicates Indian agents in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada. Following orders from the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, YouTube restricted access to the documentary.
30-Mar-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of the Police on March 30 arrested four persons, identified as Tejinderpal Singh, Parminder Singh alias Billa, Gurvinder Singh and Sanu Sharma alias Bunty and seized 120 banned pills from their possession, near a de-addiction centre in Faridkot in Faridkot district. These individuals were arrested for selling prohibited pills to drug addicts outside the de-addiction centre. Two suspects, who were employed as security guards at the centre, allegedly enticed addicts with chemical drugs during rehab visits. Two other suspects, Rakesh Kumar and Satish Kumar, remain absconding.
29-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 29 detected human footprints near the International Border (IB) and conducted an extensive search operation with sniffer dogs, recovering nine packets of heroin, each individually stuffed in black-coloured socks and weighing approximately 9.5 kg, hidden in the fields near Maharsona village in Fazilka district.
29-Mar-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on March 29 strongly condemned the portrayal of Sikhs alongside extremist groups like the Taliban and Ku Klux Klan in some United Kingdom (UK) school curriculums, emphasizing Sikhism's distinct identity. The Jathedar deemed the association as insensitive and highlighted the need to respect Sikh beliefs and heritage.
29-Mar-2024
Police on March 29 arrested two individuals, identified as Prem Singh and Gurmeet Singh, and seized 170 grams of heroin from their possession, near Seed Farm near Abohar in Fazilka district.
29-Mar-2024
Police on March 29 arrested four unidentified persons and seized 40 grams of heroin from their possession, near a canal in Abohar in Fazilka district.
29-Mar-2024
Police on March 29 arrested an individual identified as Rajkamal Rahul and seized 3 kg of poppy husk from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
29-Mar-2024
Police on March 29 arrested an individual identified as Hardeep Deepu and seized 100 intoxicating tablets from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
29-Mar-2024
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Mohali, on March 29, dismantled the criminal network led by United States (US)-based Pavittar Chaura and Husandeep Singh and arrested three key operatives identified as Lovejit Khakh, Gursewak Bamb, and Bahadur Khan and seized one pistol, 15 cartridges, and a Toyota Fortuner vehicle from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
29-Mar-2024
Moga Police on March 29 seized property worth INR 2.14 crore from four drug smugglers identified as Paramjit Singh (property worth INR 19.76 lakh), Gurdeep Kaur (property worth INR 22 lakh), Gurcharn Singh (property worth INR 1.34 crore), and Sarbjit Singh (property worth INR 37.80 lakh), under Section 68(F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with approval from authorities in Delhi, in Moga district, Punjab.
29-Mar-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, on March 29 in Amritsar, criticized both the Central and state governments for their rigid stance on farmer issues and interference in Sikh religious affairs. He also outlined resolutions demanding the resolution of farmer demands, an inquiry into the Haryana Government's actions against protesters, and compensation for affected farmers. Additionally, he urged the Centre to allocate time for the five-member SGPC panel, constituted by the Akal Takht, to deliberate on the release of 'Bandi Singhs'.
29-Mar-2024
Police on March 29 arrested three gangsters from Lakhbir Singh Landa’s Khalistani terrorist module, identified as Gurpreet Singh Gopi, Mohpreet Singh Moh, and Shamsher Singh Shera and seized 1.2 kg of heroin, three country-made pistols, four magazines, and 20 cartridges from their possession on national highway No. 54 near Sheron village in Tarn Taran district. The suspects were known for their involvement in criminal activities associated with Landa’s module, including threatening and attacking businessmen and doctors. The module was orchestrated by Landa, who operates from abroad and has links to other criminal individuals, including Satbir Singh, Gurdev Singh Jaisal, and Yadwinder, all facing numerous criminal cases.
28-Mar-2024
Pakistani authorities at the Attari border in Amritsar district, Punjab, on March 28, declined to take custody of two juvenile Pakistani boys who had strayed into Tarn Taran district in Punjab, India, in August 2022. They could not be repatriated due to a lack of orders from the Pakistan Ministry of External Affairs, despite intervention by the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC). The boys, acquitted by the Juvenile Justice Board in April 2023, remain in Faridkot Observation Home in Faridkot district, Punjab, awaiting repatriation. The process involves multiple bureaucratic steps and awaits approval from Pakistani authorities.
28-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 recovered one packet containing 1.140 kg of heroin near Shamshan Ghat in Nagalamb village in Amritsar district. The heroin was recovered after the BSF intercepted suspicious movements by two unidentified individuals in the area, although the suspects managed to flee.
28-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 28 intercepted and recovered a small drone from farming fields near Dauke village in Amritsar district. The drone was a small quadcopter DJI Mavic 3 model.
28-Mar-2024
Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on March 28 arrested four gangsters linked to the Prema Lahoria and Vicky Gounder gang, identified as Naveen Saini, Neeraj Kapoor, Kishan Bali and Vinod Joshi, and seized six .32-bore pistols and 26 cartridges from their possession in Model Town in Jalandhar district. A crossfire ensued during the arrest, leading to one of the accused sustaining injuries while attempting to flee, resulting in a fractured leg. These suspects, known for their involvement in various criminal activities, were actively engaged in reconnaissance and planning contract killings, prompting a strong response from law enforcement.
28-Mar-2024
Police on March 28 discovered Pro-Khalistan anti-India graffiti stating ‘Delhi banega Khalistan’ on a metro pillar at Punjabi Bagh metro station in West Delhi district in Delhi. The Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR), and CCTV footage is under scrutiny to apprehend the culprits. Previously, similar incidents were reported in anticipation of the G-20 Summit in 2023, leading to arrests revealing connections to Sikh For Justice (SFJ) leader and Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
28-Mar-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing the media during a weekly briefing in New Delhi on March 28, emphasized India's and the United States' (US) capability in handling bilateral issues without the need for speculative comments or unsolicited advice from unrelated third parties, rejecting China's interference in the investigation into the alleged assassination plot against US citizen and Sikh For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
28-Mar-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, on March 28, dismissed Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's remarks, stating that there was nothing new in Canada's position. India reiterated its readiness to investigate with concrete evidence but emphasized that none had been received so far. He also cautioned Canada against harbouring separatist elements.
28-Mar-2024
The Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, on March 28 sentenced four terrorists, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) member Kulwinderjit Singh alias Khanpuria, along with Ravinderpal Singh alias Ravi, Jagdev Singh, and Harcharan Singh, to life imprisonment for waging war against the Government of India in a 2019 case. They were convicted under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), section 25 of the Arms Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, they were fined - INR 3.75 lakh for Khanpuria, INR 3 lakh for Harcharan, and INR 3.10 lakh each for Ravinderpal and Jagdev. NIA investigations revealed that Khanpuria, along with his handlers and associates, planned terrorist attacks in India targeting specific individuals and establishments, including the Dera Sacha Sauda Complex and security-related establishments in Punjab.
28-Mar-2024
On March 28, two unidentified assailants on a bike shot dead Baba Tarsem Singh, the Dera Kar Seva Pramukh of Nanakmatta Gurdwara in Nanakmatta in Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand. Three .315 bore gun shells recovered from the scene indicate the use of country-made pistols. Police suspect internal rivalry as a possible motive and have mobilized eight teams for investigation, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) being formed at Police Headquarters in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
27-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 27 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 530 grams, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle from Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district. Acting on intelligence regarding drug smuggling via drones, BSF troops conducted a search near Naushera Dhalla village, where they observed two individuals on a motorcycle. The suspects fled upon seeing the troops, despite pursuit efforts, leaving behind the recovered items.
27-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 27 recovered a China-made drone from fields near Thekalan village in Tarn Taran district in Punjab, based on information provided by a local farmer.
27-Mar-2024
A special court in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, on March 27 found Kulwinderjeet Singh Khanpuria, a member of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), guilty of waging war against India and violating the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Khanpuria, along with Jagdev Singh, Ravinderpal Singh Mehna, and Harcharan Singh Delhi, awaits sentencing on March 28. Khanpuria was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2022 upon his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi.
26-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 26 arrested two unidentified individuals and seized 22 grams of heroin and two mobile phones from their possession near Hazara Singh Wala village in Ferozepur district. Preliminary questioning revealed they had received the heroin from a resident of Peer Ismail Khan Basti in Sukna, Ferozepur district.
26-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 26 recovered a damaged hexacopter drone from fields near Panjgrain village in Amritsar district.
26-Mar-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal emphasized on March 26 that SAD prioritizes principles over politics and is rooted in Punjab's values and the Khalsa Panth. He cited Sardar Parkash Singh Badal's resistance against the Emergency as an example of SAD's commitment to principles. Badal asserted that SAD's focus is on Punjab's interests, particularly those of Sikhs and farmers, rather than political gains or numbers. He underlines SAD's regional character and its commitment to serving Punjab's people, emphasizing its long-standing history as a movement rather than just a political entity
26-Mar-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, while addressing a gathering on the concluding day of the three-day Holla Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, Punjab, on March 26, denounced the reinvocation of the National Security Act (NSA) against Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, and his associates. He defended Amritpal and his associates, stating that they took up arms emotionally for their rights and religion.
26-Mar-2024
According to police data, in 2023, Ludhiana City railway station in Ludhiana district saw a significant rise in drug seizures compared to 2022, with the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of GRP confiscated 98 kg of ganja, 58 kg of opium, and 27 kg of poppy husk, along with 14,400 intoxicating pills including Lomotil, Alprazolam, and Tramadol, as well as 60 bottles of banned cough syrup. The CIA also seized seven pistols, a live cartridge, a magazine, and five knives in 2023. As of 2024, it has recovered 21 kg of opium and one country-made pistol. Despite facing staff shortages, the CIA managed to seize contraband primarily smuggled from other states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Bihar.
26-Mar-2024
A drug smuggler identified as Sucha Singh was killed on March 26 during a police encounter when a raid was being conducted at his residence in Mewa Miani village, Dasuya tehsil, Hoshiarpur district, Punjab. The police also seized a rifle and sharp-edged weapons from his house. During the raid, Sucha opened fire on the raiding team, injuring Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Satnam Singh and Constable Gurinder Singh. In self-defence, the police shot Sucha, who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The police also arrested Sucha’s wife, Jasvir Kaur, sons Satnam Singh and Prabhdeep Singh, and another peddler identified as Santokh Singh, indicating family involvement in the drug trade.
26-Mar-2024
Police on March 26 arrested two individuals, identified as Gurraj Singh and Raghubir Singh and seized 400 grams of heroin and a car from their possession in Duggan village in Sangrur district. Based on information obtained during their interrogation, the police also arrested another individual, identified as Ajay Singh.
26-Mar-2024
Police on March 26 arrested two women, identified as Harpreet Kaur and Navdeep Kaur and seized 705 grams of heroin, INR 29,500, and a two-wheeler from their possession in Sangrur district. After their interrogation, the police arrested Baljinder Singh, while another identified suspect, Amardeep Sekhawat, remains at large.
25-Mar-2024
Punjab Police on March 25 busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket by arresting 12 unidentified persons and seizing 4 kg of heroin and INR 3 lakh in drug money in Amritsar district. The smuggling module was allegedly led by Malaysia-based top smuggler Ranjeet Singh alias Cheeta, who is linked to previous major drug hauls, including the 2019 seizure of 532 kg of heroin at Attari International Check Post in Punjab. Drones were reportedly used by the module to transport drugs from Pakistan into Tarn Taran district. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further connections and make additional arrests in the case.
25-Mar-2024
Police on March 25 arrested Satnam Singh and Gurdeep Singh and seized 220 kg of poppy husk from their possession at Malerkotla-Raikot Road near Malerkotla in Malerkotla district. The duo were smuggling poppy husk, hiding it in a turmeric consignment.
25-Mar-2024
In preparation for the Lok Sabha election, police in Malerkotla district have intensified crackdowns against anti-social elements. This includes identifying crime hotspots, upgrading police infrastructure, and implementing proactive measures. Suspected drug peddlers and habitual offenders have been warned to leave the district or face stern action. Recent operations led by senior police officials targeted villages identified for illegal activities, signaling a heightened effort to maintain peace and security during the election period.
25-Mar-2024
The chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, alleged via a video message on March 25 that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had received USD 16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022. Pannun also claimed that Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal purportedly offered to secure the release of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar in exchange for funds. According to Pannun, Kejriwal made this promise during a 2014 meeting in New York, United States (US). This accusation follows Pannun's earlier claim in January 2024 that Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann had accepted USD 6 million in donations from Khalistan supporters.
25-Mar-2024
According to reports, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which has faced electoral setbacks, aims to revive its fortunes by refocusing on Sikh-centric issues ahead of the general election. Emphasizing its commitment to Sikh interests, the party vows to prioritize panth issues, farmer welfare, and the release of Sikh prisoners. This strategic move aims to bolster the party's appeal among Sikhs and Punjabis, with experts suggesting that such a stance could help SAD regain lost ground and reinforce its credibility within the community.
25-Mar-2024
The leader of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on March 25 issued a threat to Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal, claiming Khalistanis in Tihar jail would hold him accountable for not fulfilling promises. Pannun, via a video message, accused Arvind Kejriwal of accepting USD 16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022, alleging that Kejriwal promised to secure the release of Sikh extremist Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar in exchange for funds. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) denied the allegations.