KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
16-Mar-2024
An encounter occurred between police and four gangsters on March 16, with three gangsters sustaining gunshot wounds while one escaped, near the Panjgrain-Aulakh village road near Aulakh village in Faridkot district, Punjab. The gangsters, allegedly planning to kill a member of a rival gang in Kotkapura, opened fire on the police upon discovery. Sources revealed that the plot involved Sagar, incarcerated in Panipat jail in Haryana, who assigned the task to gangster Sukhjit Singh Situ in Faridkot jail in Punjab, who then delegated it to the four gangsters involved.
15-Mar-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on March 15 regarding a plea for furlough by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar, who is serving life imprisonment in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in New Delhi. Khokhar had sought furlough to maintain social ties, and the matter is listed for further hearing in April 2024. The case involves the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi in 1984 following the assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi.
15-Mar-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on March 15 arrested two gangsters identified as Jagdeep Singh alias Rinku and Balwinder Singh alias Babbu and seized two pistols and ten live cartridges from their possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Both are associated with the Gurpreet Lehmbar and Jassa Nurwala gang, known for various serious crimes across Ludhiana, Jagraon, Moga, Bathinda, and Sangrur districts in Punjab.
15-Mar-2024
Kapurthala police on March 15 arrested three gangsters identified as Sukhwant Singh Sukha, Roshan Singh, and Ajay Kumar and seized 12 pistols and 48 cartridges from the trio near a checkpoint on the Phagwara bypass in Kapurthala district. Initially, 4 pistols were found during a search of their vehicle, and subsequent interrogation led to the discovery of 8 more pistols and cartridges hidden at various locations. The gang, led by Sukhwant Singh Sukha from Jalandhar, allegedly procured the firearms from Madhya Pradesh for criminal activities in Punjab. Further investigation revealed links to a local gang with plans to expand and strengthen its presence.
15-Mar-2024
The Phagwara Police on March 15 arrested a criminal identified as Dildar Singh and seized one pistol, nine live cartridges, INR 9.80 lakh in cash, and two passports from him near Haveli Restaurant on the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway in Kapurthala district.
15-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 15 recovered a package containing a pistol, two magazines, and 3.38 kg of heroin during a search operation in fields near Kakkar village in Ajnala tehsil in Amritsar district. Officials noted the presence of a metal hook and an illumination ball attached to the packet, indicating that it had been dropped by a drone.
14-Mar-2024
Social media platforms, including YouTube and X, blocked access to a CBC documentary on Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on March 14, following directives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The documentary, part of CBC's 'The Fifth Estate' program, featured CCTV footage of Nijjar's murder in British Columbia and an interview with Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who issued threats against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some members of the Indo-Canadian community criticized the documentary for being biased and propagandistic.
14-Mar-2024
A sub-committee formed by the Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab, to address the hunger strike of Waris Punjab De (WPD) leader and Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates, who were detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Assam, criticized Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann for his perceived lack of seriousness toward Sikh affairs on March 14. The committee also announced that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will provide support for a panthic gathering on March 17 to address the deteriorating conditions of the detainees and their protesting family members.
14-Mar-2024
On the Sikh New Year, on March 14, Dal Khalsa held prayers at Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar in Punjab and released the original Nanakshahi calendar while urging Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh to resolve the calendar controversy. They criticised the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for publishing a Bikarmi calendar under the Nanakshahi label for nine years, causing division in the Sikh community. Dal Khalsa appealed for unity and resolution of the calendar dispute, dedicating this year's calendar to the 40th anniversary of the Indian attack on Darbar Sahib.
14-Mar-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 14 detained an unidentified employee from the Patiala health department for allegedly issuing a fake birth certificate to a wanted member in a terrorist-gangster nexus case in Patiala district in Punjab. The detained employee was in charge of the birth and death certificate branch. This action was taken following NIA raids in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Rajasthan, and Chandigarh in connection with the terrorist-gangster nexus case involving designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and other suspects associated with the Khalistan terrorist outfit Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). The fake certificate, issued between 2016 and 2017, facilitated the individual's procurement of other documents, including a passport used to flee the country.
14-Mar-2024
A 'Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat' was organized on March 14 by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) at Ramlila Ground in New Delhi, attended by farmers and agricultural laborers from 18 states protesting against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government’s farm policies. The gathering resolved to launch a nationwide agitation against the BJP during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, demanding a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and accusing Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi of unfulfilled promises. They declared March 23 as "Save Democracy from the Threat of Money and Muscle Power Day" and demanded action against Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni's son in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.
13-Mar-2024
Police from Udyog Vihar Police Station on March 13 seized nearly 600 grams of opium concealed in face cream jars that were sent from Punjab to New Zealand, in Gurugram, Haryana. The parcel raised suspicion when a courier company reported it contained suspicious items. The sender, Mandeep Singh from Punjab, is currently under investigation. The package was intended for Kuldeep Singh in New Zealand.
13-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police conducted a joint operation on March 13 and recovered a grey bag containing 3.236 kg of heroin, along with a metal hook and illuminating strips attached to it, from a residential premise in Mehandipur village in Tarn Taran district. This well-coordinated effort successfully prevented a narco-syndicate from smuggling narcotics into India from across the border.
13-Mar-2024
New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister (PM) Winston Peters, on March 13 in New Delhi, refrained from commenting on the murder of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar until the investigation concludes, emphasizing respect for the rule of law. His visit to India aimed at strengthening ties, including signing the air services agreement to enhance connectivity between the two countries. Peters met with Indian officials, discussing bilateral cooperation and emphasizing shared democratic values and principles in the Indo-Pacific region.
13-Mar-2024
Despite more than 39 years having passed since the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, 10 states affected by the carnage have yet to file a compliance report regarding compensation for victims with the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). While some Action Taken Reports (ATRs) have been submitted, the absence of compliance reports hinders progress.
13-Mar-2024
Retired Colonel Harisimran Singh wrote to the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, alleging police inaction following an attack on him in January 2024, during a clash over the removal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s portrait at Gurdwara Janam Asthan Baba Deep Singh in Pahuwind village in Tarn Taran district. He filed a complaint on January 28, but no First Information Report (FIR) was lodged, nor was any investigation ordered, prompting him to seek action from higher authorities including the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
13-Mar-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have planned two major events in Haryana. They intend to hold "Shaheedi Samaroh" on March 22 in Hisar and on March 31 in Ambala, honoring the memory of farmer Shubhkaran Singh. Leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced the yatra's plans to cover Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kaithal, and other districts in Haryana.
13-Mar-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 13 expressed satisfaction over the decision to introduce Punjabi as a subject in schools of Pakistan Punjab. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami welcomed the announcement by Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, emphasising the significance of teaching Punjabi, the mother tongue of both Punjabs, to the new generation.
12-Mar-2024
On March 12, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at the residences of a flour mill owner in Kotkapura and a goldsmith in Faridkot district in Punjab. Although NIA officials refrained from disclosing details, sources indicate that the raid aimed to investigate phone calls originating from a number registered under the goldsmith's name.
12-Mar-2024
On March 12, employees of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) received threatening audio messages warning of economic destruction from March 12 to April 30, purportedly from Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, coinciding with the 1993 bomb blast anniversary, in Mumbai in Maharashtra. The complainant stated that the audio clip advised caution from March 12 to April 30, with Pannun allegedly recommending the selling of Indian stocks and the purchasing of American ones. Several employees' mobile numbers, listed on the website's Contact Us section, received these audio clips. The Mumbai police registered a case against unknown persons under various sections of the IPC, suspecting Pannun's involvement due to his history of issuing threats against India.
12-Mar-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 12 conducted raids at 30 locations across Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh in connection with a Khalistan-gangster nexus case. Raids were conducted in Bilaspur village in Moga district in Punjab, with state police cooperation. Additionally, raids were conducted at the residence of a businessman in Faridkot district in Punjab.
12-Mar-2024
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on March 12 praised the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, following their notification by the central government. SGPC spokesperson Gurcharan Singh Grewal hailed the decision as beneficial for Sikhs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
12-Mar-2024
Police on March 12 booked two persons identified as Gabbar and Chandu following the death of a youth identified as Gora, due to alleged overdose of drugs in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
12-Mar-2024
Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), while speaking in Jalalabad, Fazilka district, accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators of colluding with drug lords and hindering police actions against them, thus contributing to the drug menace in Punjab. He lamented the rise of drugs, goondaism, and extortion culture, attributing it to the lack of investment and the migration of entrepreneurs.
12-Mar-2024
The Himachal Pradesh (HP) Criminal Investigation Department (CID)'s crime branch filed a chargesheet against eight individuals from Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh (UP) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for inter-state smuggling of psychotropic substances into HP. The accused were found with over 50,000 capsules and tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride during a vehicle interception near Shivbaadi Mandir, Gagret, in Una district, HP, in September 2023. Investigations revealed the gang's operations spanning Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and UP, utilizing fake invoices to conceal drug shipments. Verender Kumar alias Bindu, identified as the gang leader, faces asset seizure, including 82 properties, 5 vehicles, and 25 bank accounts worth INR 10 crore.
12-Mar-2024
Police on March 12 arrested the fourth and primary shooter involved in the targeted attack on Punjabi lyricist and composer Bunty Bains, identified as Ranbir Singh alias Rana and seized two pistols, including a .32 bore and a .30 bore, three live cartridges, and a motorcycle from his possession in Phase 1 Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The attack, orchestrated by Armenia-based gangster Lucky Patial of the Davinder Bambiha gang, aimed to extort INR 1 crore from Bains, who manages the music label Brand B and was previously associated with slain singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
11-Mar-2024
The Government of India, on March 11, notified the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, allowing Indian citizenship for persecuted Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, facilitate online applications for eligible individuals under the CAA-2019. Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah emphasized that the legislation aims to provide hope to persecuted minorities and reiterated that it doesn't infringe upon the rights of any Indian citizen.
11-Mar-2024
S. Varinderjeet Singh, Chairman of the National Sikh Front (NSF) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), advocated for the release of long-incarcerated Sikh political prisoners who have served their sentences while speaking to the media in Jammu on March 11. He urged both the Central and State Governments to compassionately intervene and rectify injustices faced by Sikhs, calling for collaboration with Pakistan to ensure the security and justice of Sikh families, particularly following the tragic killing of Sardar Satnam Singh in Peshawar.
11-Mar-2024
The Chandigarh Police on March 11 invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar and his operatives, including seven members of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang. The gang intended to eliminate gangster Bhupinder Singh Rana during a court hearing, with shooters Sunny alias Sachin, Umang, and Kailash Chauhan alias Tiger planning to disguise as lawyers. Additionally, Maya alias Pooja Sharma was recruited to assist the shooters, while three others provided shelter, money, and transportation. The arms and ammunition for the attack were delivered to the shooters in Chandigarh on Brar's orders.
10-Mar-2024
The Jalandhar police on March 10 arrested nine smugglers identified as Abhi Ram alias Alex, Money, Pawan, Sikandar, Amarjit Kaur, Sunny, Balihar, Amit Shukla, and Parmod and seized 22 kg of opium from their possession, along with frozen bank accounts totaling INR 9 crores and properties worth INR 6 crores suspected to be acquired from drug proceeds. Abhi Ram was arrested in Ranchi, Jharkhand, while the others were apprehended in Delhi. Six Delhi Customs officers are also implicated in the case. According to the police, Abhi Ram was the primary cultivator, while the others were involved in courier operations and money laundering. Additionally, five foreign entities based in the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), Australia, and Canada were also involved in the case.
10-Mar-2024
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana on March 10 staged a 'rail roko' protest organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), demanding a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP) and debt waivers. The protest disrupted train services at around 70 locations, leading to the cancellation of nine trains and delays for 25 trains. Despite efforts to garner nationwide support, farmers from other states abstained from participating, while the protest gained momentum in Punjab, Haryana, and other regions, according to union leaders.
09-Mar-2024
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political) on March 9 announced plans for a 'rail roko' protest in 44 locations across 22 districts in Punjab, scheduled for March 10, aiming to disrupt rail traffic from 12 pm to 4 pm. Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), specified that the protest would only obstruct trains near railway crossings and stations to prevent accidents.
09-Mar-2024
Police on March 9 arrested a miscreant, identified as Nikhil Kumar for making extortion calls to businessmen in the region by posing as an aide of gangster Goldy Brar, in Faridkot in Faridkot district. Using a United Kingdom (UK) country code, he demanded INR 6 lakh from a medicine shop owner, threatening to upload photos of the owner's daughter studying in Canada if not paid. The cyber cell traced the calls to a local number, leading to Nikhil's arrest.
09-Mar-2024
A gallery honoring those killed during the Indian Army's Operation Bluestar in 1984 was inaugurated on March 9 at the Golden Temple complex in the Amritsar district. The event was attended by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s son, Bhai Ishar Singh. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, the 16th head of the Sikh seminary Damdami Taksal (DT), unveiled the Shaheedi Gallery at Gurdwara Shaheede Yadgar, adjacent to Akal Takht. The gallery features a comprehensive list of Sikh leaders and devotees, including women, who were killed from June 1 to 6, 1984, accompanied by their photographs. Additionally, a documentary highlighting the events has been arranged for viewing.
09-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on March 9 recovered a packet containing about 470 grams of heroin from fields adjacent to Chakram Sai village in Gurdaspur district.
09-Mar-2024
The Amritsar (Rural) police on March 9 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Baljeet Singh and seized 2.8 kg of heroin and INR 2.5 lakh drug money from his possession, at a naka (checkpost) at Khasa bus stop near Khasa village in Amritsar district. According to the Police, Baljeet was in contact with Canada-based drug peddler Honey, who operated a hawala racket. Further investigations are underway.
09-Mar-2024
The State Special Operations Cell on March 9 arrested Chetan Kakkar, an associate of gangster Rajan Bhatti, and seized 270 grams of heroin, a pistol, five cartridges, and INR 7,97,000 of drug money from his possession upon his arrival from Dubai at Hyderabad International Airport in Telangana. Kakkar, originally from Amritsar, had fled to Dubai after Bhatti's arrest in February 2024.
08-Mar-2024
The police on March 8 arrested Nripen Das, Superintendent of Dibrugarh Central Jail, for alleged collusion with detainees associated with Khalistani preacher and the chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, and his associates, following the discovery of electronic gadgets, including a smartphone, in their possession, in Dibrugarh, Assam. Subsequent investigations revealed evidence of unauthorized activities, prompting additional CCTV installations and preventive measures.
08-Mar-2024
Mohali Police on March 8 arrested five of the eight suspects, including two tainted cops, involved in the daylight shooting of Jammu-based gangster Rajesh Dogra, identified as Anil Singh (kingpin), Harpreet Singh, Satvir Singh, Sandeep Singh and Sham Lal, and seized three pistols, two revolvers, a .12 bore gun and 71 live rounds along with four luxury vehicles from Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district in Punjab. The main suspect, Anil Singh, allegedly orchestrated the crime for revenge in a gang war.
08-Mar-2024
Police on March 8 registered a case against two persons, identified as Kuldeep Singh and Baljit Singh, following the death of a 24-year-old from a drug overdose, in Azamwala village in Fazilka district. The deceased's father, Paramjit Singh, revealed that his son had been battling drug addiction. On March 7, they found him unconscious with an injection in his hand, and before passing away, he implicated Kuldeep and Baljit as the sources of the drug, known as 'chitta'.
07-Mar-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) was informed by the state of Punjab on March 7 that a convict in Faridkot Central Jail in Punjab was using a mobile phone to communicate with Pakistani smugglers, highlighting a concerning security breach. The state detailed various ingenious methods prisoners employ for smuggling, including hiding phones in body cavities and conspiring with outsiders. To counteract these tactics, traditional security measures such as armed guards and patrols are in place, alongside AI-based CCTV surveillance.
07-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on March 7, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 5 kg from a farming field adjacent to Neshta Village in Amritsar district.
07-Mar-2024
The Police on March 7 busted a module running a drug racket from across the border by a United States (US) resident Satnam Singh, with the arrest of two peddlers identified as Gurlal Singh and Lovedeep Singh and seized 780 grams of heroin, a motorcycle and two mobile phones from their possession, near Rajoke village in Tarn Taran district. The peddlers confessed to receiving heroin from Satnam Singh across the Indo-Pak border.
07-Mar-2024
Police on March 7 averted targeted killings with the arrest of two operatives of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), identified as Kuldeep Singh alias Ghugg and Avtar Singh alias Ladi and seized a .32 bore pistol along with four magazines and 30 rounds from them, along with a bike (PB08-FI 3940) from their possession in Mehatpur village in Jalandhar district. The module, led by United States (US)-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Pasia and Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, aimed to involve youngsters in anti-national activities.
07-Mar-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami on March 7 welcomed Ramesh Singh Arora's appointment as the first cabinet minister of the Punjab government in Pakistan. They hailed it as a significant moment for the Sikh community, marking the first time a Sikh has held such a position since the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947. Raghbir Singh urged Arora to utilize his constitutional authority to address Sikh issues, while Dhami expressed hope that Arora would serve as a liaison between the Pakistani government and minority communities. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding gurdwaras in Afghanistan.
07-Mar-2024
A third associate of Waris Punjab de (WPD) leader Amritpal Singh, identified as Basant Singh, was hospitalized on March 7 due to deteriorating health caused by a hunger strike at Dibrugarh jail in Assam.
07-Mar-2024
The Rajpura police on March 7 busted an inter-state drug module, arresting four of its members, identified as Kusum Devi, Guniya Devi, Ram Geya, and Ranju Kumari and seizing 9 kg of charas from their possession at a checkpoint near Basantpura Village in Patiala district.
07-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, on March 7, in a joint operation, recovered one packet of heroin weighing 565 grams from a farming field adjacent to Sanktara village Tarn Taran district.
06-Mar-2024
Bihar Police arrested two shooters of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Sunil Karolia and Sahil, on March 6 and seized contrabands from their possession near the toll plaza in Runni Saidpur, Sitamarhi district in Bihar. Preliminary investigations suggest their involvement in multiple murders across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh.
06-Mar-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 6 arrested a Pakistani national loitering near the International Border (IB) and seized PKR 570, a wristwatch, one earphone, and 3 Pakistani national identity cards, and a mobile phone from his possession in the Amritsar sector of Amritsar district. The individual was caught while attempting to escape towards the Pakistani side after being spotted by BSF troops. He was subsequently handed over to the Punjab Police.