KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
28-Jan-2024
The police on January 28 arrested a woman drug peddler identified as Gurmeet Kaur alias Meeto, and seized 50 grams of heroin from her possession in Ferozepur district.
28-Jan-2024
Police on January 28 arrested one person, identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Labha and seized 100 gm of heroin from his possession in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
28-Jan-2024
The Police on January 28 arrested Maqbool alias Fauji and seized 45 gm of heroin from his possession in Ferozepur in Ferozepur district.
28-Jan-2024
The police, on January 28, arrested the ‘second-in-command’ of the Vikas Lagarpuria gang, identified as Dara Singh alias Dhare and seized a loaded sophisticated revolver (.32 bore) and five live cartridges from his possession in the Khajuri Khas area in North East Delhi district in Delhi. Singh has a history of criminal activities dating back to 2013, with associations with Vikas Lagarpuria. He was wanted in multiple cases in Delhi and Haryana, including murder, extortion, and armed robbery. Additionally, he was involved in the theft of INR 40 crore in Gurugram in 2021.
27-Jan-2024
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently investigating the misuse of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS) by operatives of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), who have shifted their tactics from hawala to using tourists as a means to funnel funds for their terror activities. The NIA raids have specifically targeted key figures such as Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa. These individuals are identified as chief conspirators involved in terror plots and arms smuggling into Punjab. The BKI, in collaboration with tour guides, reportedly offers commissions to tourists for receiving remittances via MTSS, and the funds acquired are used to purchase arms. Furthermore, raids against Lawrence Bishnoi's crime syndicate have revealed connections to BKI. The authorities seized illegal arms, ammunition, cash, and incriminating documents during these operations.
27-Jan-2024
The Amritsar (Rural) police on January 27 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Mahinder Singh, and seized 1.6 kg of heroin hidden in the cattle shed of his house in Bhagupur Bet village in Amritsar district. The police stated that Singh had links with Pakistan-based smugglers and was involved in cross-border drug peddling through drones.
26-Jan-2024
The Amritsar (Rural) police and the Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint search operation on January 26, recovered around 519 gm of heroin along with a Pakistani drone (quadcopter model - DJI Mavic 3 Pro, made in China) near Maude village in Amritsar district.
26-Jan-2024
On January 26, the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered a China-made quadcopter drone from a farming field in Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district.
26-Jan-2024
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, on January 26, stressed the need to combat drugs and corruption while speaking at an event where he led Republic Day celebrations in Patiala district. He honoured martyrs and urged collective responsibility for integrity in governance.
26-Jan-2024
On the occasion of India's 75th Republic Day on January 26, patriotic fervour and cultural performances by students highlighted the celebrations, and the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers exchanged sweets at the Attari border in Amritsar district of Punjab. BSF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sanjay Gaur interacted with jawans and addressed concerns about drone intrusions, stating that 107 drones were shot down and 483 kg of contraband seized along the Punjab Frontier in 2023. Cultural programs, including gidha and bhangra, were performed by students at the border.
26-Jan-2024
On January 26, Republic Day, supporters of Dal Khalsa, led by Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Member of Parliament (MP) Simranjit Singh Mann, took out a protest march in Moga district of Punjab, calling it a Black Day, displaying black flags, and advocating for Khalistan.
26-Jan-2024
Former Punjab Health Minister Laxmikanta Chawla, who is also the chairman of the Durgana Temple Committee in Amritsar, extended an invitation to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to visit India on January 26. He stated that upon Pannun's arrival in India, the country would demonstrate its resilience and effectively address any issues.
25-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, on the intervening night of January 25-26, conducted a raid, arrested two unidentified individuals, and seized 100 grams of heroin and 13 live rounds of .32 bore from the house of a suspect in Deriwal Kiran village in Gurdaspur district.
25-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police conducted a raid on the intervening night of January 25-26, based on a lead and recovered one PAG-type gun, 10 rounds of 0.32 bore, and one pistol from the house of a suspect in Uppal village in Gurdaspur district.
25-Jan-2024
According to sources, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has requested another meeting with death row prisoner Balwant Singh Rajoana, who is held in Patiala jail, to discuss his pending mercy petition and the release of Bandi Singhs. A reminder has been sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) to allocate time for the SGPC panel. SGPC spokesperson Harjinder Singh Dhami stated on January 25 that letters have been written to the Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and the jail superintendent to arrange a meeting with Rajoana.
25-Jan-2024
On January 25, the Uttar Pradesh Police Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) was granted seven days' police custody remand (PCR) for three Khalistani suspects arrested in Ayodhya on January 18, by a court in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. They were apprehended for conducting a recce of sensitive sites before the Ram Lalla 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya. The suspects, identified as Shankar Dussad, Ajit Kumar Sharma, and Pradeep Puniya, were taken into custody after their Khalistani connections were confirmed through intercepted voice messages attributed to Khalistani terrorist Gurupatwant Singh Pannun.
25-Jan-2024
Representatives from about 50 Sikh organizations gathered on January 25 at the Gurdwara Nadha Sahib in Panchkula district of Haryana to confer the Fakhr-E-Kaum award posthumously on the martyred acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, who was allegedly kidnapped and tortured to death by Punjab Police in 1993. The assembly resolved to seek justice for Jathedar Kaunke, planning to approach Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann.
25-Jan-2024
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, on January 25 dismissed the claims of India’s involvement in the assassination of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists Shahid Latif and Riyaz Ahmad alias Abu Qasim. Jaiswal dismissed the claims as false and malicious propaganda, reiterating Pakistan's history as a hub for terrorism and illegal activities.
25-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 25 recovered a drone from a field near India Pakistan International Border (IB) near Dal village in Tarn Taran district.
25-Jan-2024
Delhi Police’s Crime Branch, on January 25, arrested eight persons belonging to the infamous Gogi Gang, identified as Deepak Pahal alias Boxer, Narender Yadav, Manish alias Sunny Kakran, Manmohan alias Gaurav, Navprabhat Chaudhary, Devraj Dabas, Azad alias Pahalwan and Khushboo alias Golu; and seized a gun, two cartridges, a sim card of Dubai, and a mobile phone, after conducting a series of raids at multiple states. The gang was running an extortion racket in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its peripherals. The police also apprehended two juveniles working for the gang, in Sonipat in Haryana.
24-Jan-2024
On the intervening night of January 24-25, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted a drone and, on the following morning of January 25, recovered a packet containing 531 grams of heroin from a farming field adjacent to Thatharke village in Gurdaspur district.
24-Jan-2024
The police, on January 24, investigated a bomb threat directed at the Durgiana Temple in the Amritsar district after threats were issued by a Khalistani terrorist via the temple's landline phone by a caller who identified himself as Harneet. The threat prompted immediate police action, and an investigation is underway to address the situation.
24-Jan-2024
The Special Cell of Delhi Police on January 24 arrested a sharpshooter from the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, identified as Shivam alias Nitesh alias Bhoomi, near Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar in North Delhi district. During the arrest, Shivam attempted to fire at the police. He had been planning to form his own gang for cash robberies in Delhi-NCR, procuring firearms in the process. Shivam had previously been involved in a gang war and various criminal activities, including robbery and extortion.
24-Jan-2024
On January 24, the Kapurthala Police announced that Ramandeep Mangumath, a Nihang Sikh arrested for killing Vishal Kapoor at Gurdwara Chhevi Patshahi in Phagwara in Kapurthala district, Punjab, now faces murder charges. Investigations revealed no indication of self-defence. Police suspect that Mangumath and his accomplices, who have no religious background, are imposters receiving foreign funding. This has prompted further investigation into their finances. His police remand has been extended until January 31.
24-Jan-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on January 24 seized a vehicle (PB 29 R 8889) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with a case involving the seizure of explosives and arms from individuals linked to the Pakistan-based 'listed terrorist' Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda. The case originated from the recovery of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one pistol with two magazines, and INR 1.30 lakhs in cash at Bastara Toll Plaza in Madhuban, Haryana, in May 2022. The items were seized from four suspects identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, Amandeep Singh alias Deepa, Parminder Singh alias Pinder and Bhupinder Singh. These accused individuals, associated with the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), had received multiple arms and explosives consignments from Sandhu in Pakistan through drones near the Indo-Pak border.
24-Jan-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is set to organize a seminar titled 'Challenges Facing Punjab and Their Resolution' on January 27 at Khalsa College in Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. The event will be attended by party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, senior leadership, and prominent intellectuals. The seminar aims to address the unmet demands of Punjab, discussing issues such as river waters, the denial of a capital city, and the weakening federal structure. Intellectuals and journalists, including Prof Ranjit Singh Ghuman and Satnam Manak, will provide insights, while Sukhbir Singh Badal will deliver the keynote address. The focus is on devising solutions for issues like misgovernance, law and order, unemployment, and economic challenges in the state.
24-Jan-2024
Maninderjit Singh Bitta, chairman of the All-India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) and former chief of the Indian Youth Congress, urged the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on January 24 to reopen the 1993 bomb blast case involving terror convict Davinder Pal Singh Bhullar. The Delhi Government's Sentence Review Board recently denied Bhullar's plea for early release. Bitta believes the NIA should investigate the case to expose any potential involvement of police officers and politicians with Bhullar. He cites suspicious circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of Bhullar's security before the 1993 blast.
24-Jan-2024
A special court in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is set to deliver a verdict on January 24 on the police remand of gangster Shankar Lal Dusad and his associates, Ajit Kumar Sharma and Pradeep Punia, who were arrested in Ayodhya based on the UP ATS's application. The arrest was made on January 18, with alleged connections to the banned Khalistani terror organization Sikh For Justice (SFJ), led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The ATS aims to gather information about associates and Pannun's influence in UP, investigating mobile data and audio messages related to the case.
23-Jan-2024
According to sources, the Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has rejected the early release plea of 1993 Delhi blasts convict Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. In response, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized the Punjab government led by AAP and Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal, stating that the denial added to the distress of the Sikh community.
23-Jan-2024
The Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, on January 23 criticized the Delhi government for the seventh rejection of the release application of Sikh activist Devinderpal Singh Bhullar. Singh stated that the repeated rejections by the 'Sentence Review Board' indicate a discriminatory attitude towards Sikhs, causing alienation. He emphasized that such behaviour undermines democracy, as politicians who once advocated justice for Sikhs now perpetuate injustice, potentially fuelling separatist sentiments among Sikhs.
23-Jan-2024
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terrorist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), threatened to kill Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav on January 26, Republic Day, prompting the police to review security at the Republic Day function venue, Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana district. The police are monitoring individuals with criminal records or Khalistani ideology and may detain them ahead of Republic Day.
23-Jan-2024
In light of the death threats issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Police have intensified security measures across the state, including Patiala, where Governor Banwarilal Purohit will lead the state-level Republic Day event on January 26 and unfurl the National Flag. The deployed police force consists of around 20,000 personnel for Republic Day celebrations across the state.
23-Jan-2024
Sukhchain Gill, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Punjab, on January 23 announced that drug addicts are utilizing Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with 282 individuals undergoing treatment and rehabilitation within 20 days of its enforcement. The state's three-pronged strategy focuses on enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation to combat drug abuse. Gill also stated that in the past week, the police arrested 141 drug smugglers and recovered 19.4 kg of heroin, 8.3 kg of opium, 25.23 quintals of poppy husk, 4,201 tablets, injections, and vials of pharma opioids, along with INR 1.40 lakh in cash from them.
23-Jan-2024
Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Punjab Police on January 23 arrested two drug smugglers identified as Gurpreet Singh and Aakashdeep Singh and seized 1.5 kg of heroin from their possession, in Maste ke village in Ferozepur district.
23-Jan-2024
The police on January 23 arrested a drug smuggler identified as Novpreet Singh and seized 1.3 kg of heroin, an Australia-made Glock pistol, a country-made pistol with 20 cartridges, INR 1.07 lakh in drug money, and a Thar vehicle (PB-10 BW-6363) from his possession, at the national highway near Bath crossing, close to Bath village in Tarn Taran district.
23-Jan-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 23 recovered a drone near the International Border (IB), on the outskirts of Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a Quadcopter made in China (Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic).
23-Jan-2024
Punjab Police Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters, Dr. Sukhchain Singh Gill, stated on January 23, while addressing the audience at Punjab Police headquarters in Chandigarh, that in the past week, they have successfully arrested 141 drug smugglers, including 31 major players. This has resulted in the recovery of 19.4 kg of heroin, 8.3 kg of opium, 25.23 quintals of poppy husk, and 4,201 tablets/capsules. Additionally, Dr. Gill highlighted that the total arrests in the ongoing drive against Proclaimed Offenders (POs)/Absconders have reached 1,260 since July 5, 2022. Notably, the disposal of confiscated items under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act includes 523 kg of heroin, 79.92 quintals of poppy husk, 298 kg of ganja, and 17.57 lakh narcotic pills/capsules through burning. Punjab Police has successfully forfeited properties worth INR 111 crores, with 9 more proposals pending. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has played a crucial role in busting 312 criminal modules, leading to the arrest of 951 individuals and the neutralization of 10. This effort has also resulted in the seizure of 963 weapons and 208 vehicles used in criminal activities.
23-Jan-2024
Punjab Police, on January 23, booked the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on charges of promoting religious enmity at the Sultanwind police station in Amritsar district. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on a social media video in which Pannun claimed that the Shri Durgiana Mandir had no historical significance in Hinduism. He also warned the temple management to hand over the keys to the Golden Temple. Pannun made these remarks while Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi consecrated the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya. Pannun faces charges under sections 153A, 153B, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the IT Act.
22-Jan-2024
Police on January 22 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Gurmej Singh alias Bittu, and Gurpreet Singh alias Gora and seized 600 gm of heroin from their possession, in Jalalabad in Fazilka district.
22-Jan-2024
Police on January 22 arrested a person identified as Jagdish Parsad and seized 400 gm of opium from his possession in Fazilka in Fazilka district.
22-Jan-2024
Police on January 22 arrested two persons identified as Aman and Rahul and seized 20 gm of heroin from their possession, in Arya Nagar in Fazilka in Fazilka district.
22-Jan-2024
A Pakistani national, who inadvertently crossed into India on January 22 near Kakkar village in Amritsar district, Punjab, was handed over to Pakistan Rangers by the Border Security Force (BSF) on January 23. The individual had nothing objectionable in possession, and the incident was determined to be an unintentional border crossing.
22-Jan-2024
Khalistan terrorist and the chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on January 22 issued a threat via a video to target Hindu temples in India following the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Pannun vowed to damage the Durgana pilgrimage site in Amritsar, Punjab, and target Haridwar and Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP) after the so-called Khalistan referendum, which is set to take place on January 26.
22-Jan-2024
According to reports, the West's silence on Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's recent death threats against the Chief Ministers (CMs) of Delhi and Punjab raises concerns about the tolerance of terrorism. Pannun has a history of violent rhetoric, including calls for attacks on Air India flights and the Indian Parliament. While free speech is valued, the international community's failure to condemn Pannun's actions undermines the global commitment to combating terrorism and threatens regional stability. It is urged that the West break its silence and unequivocally denounce Pannun's threats to prevent potential tragic consequences.
22-Jan-2024
Police on January 22 arrested an individual identified as Ramjeet and seized 37,000 prohibited intoxicating tablets from his possession in Balbir Basti in Faridkot district. Police are currently conducting an ongoing search for the other two individuals involved. This case highlights the use of courier services by drug traffickers, prompting authorities to alert all courier companies in the area. The tablets were dispatched from Karnal, Haryana, using fake names and addresses, revealing a concerning trend in drug distribution.
21-Jan-2024
The Narcotics Wing of the Police on January 21 attached the assets of a woman drug trafficker, Raj Rani, in Govind Nagari, Jalalabad, in Fazilka district. Rani faces cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act on February 26, 2014, August 15, 2015, and May 24, 2016.
21-Jan-2024
According to intelligence sources, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) is planning an attack on January 22 to sabotage the Ayodhya Ram Temple pran pratishtha (consecration) ceremony in Uttar Pradesh (UP), as revealed in an audio clip accessed by CNN-News18. In the audio, Pannun guides two individuals to target an important place in UP during the Ayodhya event. Intelligence sources indicate that the evidence will be shared with the United States (US) and Canada.
21-Jan-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate of Police on January 21 arrested two members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Nitin and Ashish and seized two .30 bore pistols, ammunition, and their car during a crossfire near Nakodar Road in Jalandhar district.
21-Jan-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on January 21 stated that he finds Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann guilty of religious misconduct in the police firing incident at Gurdwara Akal Bunga Chaoni Nihang Singha on November 23, 2023. The Jathedar stated that the police entry into the Gurudwara, wearing shoes, and the subsequent use of force violated the Sikh code of conduct (maryada), causing harm to religious sentiments without provocation.
20-Jan-2024
On January 20, Gangster Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is implicated in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder case, was transferred to Bathinda jail in Bathinda district,along with seven associates, nearly two weeks after he was booked for breaking an LED TV in Kapurthala jail. The move was part of an exchange program aimed at separating Bhagwanpuria from the rival Bambiha gang. As part of the exchange, five Bambiha gang members were brought to Kapurthala jail. Bhagwanpuria, expressing concerns about his safety in Bathinda jail, filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The transfer was cited as an administrative decision by the Kapurthala jail authorities.