KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
22-Dec-2023
The Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) on December 22 made public a 1999 report on the alleged forced disappearance and murder of Gurdev Singh Kaunke, the acting Akal Takht Jathedar appointed by Sarbat Khalsa in 1992. The report suggests that Kaunke was likely killed by the police, highlighting inconsistencies in the police version and the promotion of a constable involved. The report also recommends a case against the then Station House Officer (SHO), Gurmeet Singh, for illegal detention and falsification of records.
22-Dec-2023
According to reports, the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs, known as "nasheeli goliyaan," is on the rise in Punjab, constituting almost 25% of the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between April 2022 and February 2023. These easily accessible and budget-friendly pills have become the drug of choice, particularly in areas away from the International Border where heroin is prevalent. The surge in pill abuse may indicate a constriction in the heroin supply. The Punjab government has taken measures to curb the sale of certain capsules, but addicts are finding new alternatives, contributing to the complexity of the issue.
21-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 21 intercepted a drone and recovered 530 grams of heroin near Pakka Chisti village in Fazilka district.
21-Dec-2023
The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Arindam Bagchi, stated in New Delhi on December 21 that India has been granted consular access by the Czech Republic to Indian national Nikhil Gupta on three occasions since his arrest on June 30 and the MEA is providing necessary assistance to him. Gupta faces allegations of plotting the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
21-Dec-2023
According to senior police sources, terrorist financiers associated with the Khalistan movement employ diverse methods, including hawala channels, drone deliveries, and the utilization of gangster networks in Punjab and Kashmir. These findings stem from investigations conducted by the Punjab Police. The Amritsar-Akhnoor sector has witnessed increased drone activity by Pakistan-based groups, and recent revelations have exposed hawala channels linked to the import-export business. Terrorist groups in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) are reportedly utilizing official banking systems and hawala to transfer small amounts of funds to support targeted killings, promote the Khalistan movement, and assist sympathizers. Gangsters in Punjab are also diverting extortion money to fund terror activities. The Kashmir to Khalistan (K2K) formula is highlighted as a parallel in the context of terror funding in both regions.
21-Dec-2023
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, in Amritsar on December 21 expressed concern over Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah's statement in the Indian Parliament regarding Sikh prisoners, emphasizing that the human rights of Sikh prisoners, incarcerated for three decades, should not be ignored. Dhami asserted that Sikhs already feel a lack of justice and that the government should remember the significant sacrifices made by Sikhs for India's freedom. He urged the government to implement its 2019 notification approving the release of Sikh prisoners and called for a dialogue on the matter.
21-Dec-2023
The Crime Investigating Agency (CIA) staff of Mohali police on December 21 arrested two gangsters, identified as Brij Pal and Pardeep Kumar alias Shetty, associated with the Prince Rana gang, who were reportedly planning to attack a property dealer or realtor in Daun village, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Both gangsters were injured in a shootout with the CIA staff and were subsequently admitted to Mohali Civil Hospital. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to curb criminal activities in the region.
21-Dec-2023
The Crime Investigating Agency (CIA) staff on December 21 arrested two gangsters, identified as Charanjit Singh alias Raju and Parminder Singh alias Prince after a brief encounter near Thatha village in Tarn Taran district. During a police encounter on the Amritsar-Khem Karan Road, they opened fire when signalled to stop, leading to police retaliation. Charanjit Singh sustained a leg injury and was subsequently admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital.
21-Dec-2023
The Ludhiana rural police recently arrested three individuals involved in an extortion and drug-peddling racket, revealing connections with Davinderpal Singh Gopi, a Canada-based handler. Originally from Moga, Gopi allegedly directed the trio to fire gunshots outside a businessman's house in Dakha for extortion purposes. The police are investigating Gopi's contacts in Canada, suspecting ties with other gangsters of Punjab origin. With multiple cases against him, Gopi is believed to have fled India through illegal means, prompting authorities to probe his activities abroad.
21-Dec-2023
The Police on December 21 arrested a member of the Jitender Gogi gang, identified as Karan Thapa and seized a .32-bore pistol from his possession, after a brief exchange of fire with the police in Mukhmail Pur village in North West Delhi. Thapa was involved in extorting money from local businesses on the instructions of Yogesh alias Tunda, a notorious gangster currently in Tihar Jail. The police had earlier apprehended another gang member, Sushil Kumar, who revealed information about Thapa and Harsh alias Chintu.
21-Dec-2023
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in New Delhi on December 21 stated that India's position on terrorism concerns remains consistent in its dialogue with Canada. Bagchi, responded to Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's comments about a "tonal shift" in India's stance on alleged extra-territorial assassinations. Bagchi also emphasized the issue of space given to terrorists, separatists, and anti-Indian elements in Canada, urging action against those misusing freedom of speech.
21-Dec-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on December 21 expressed solidarity with terrorists responsible for ambushing an Indian Army vehicle in Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. Pannun declared himself the spokesperson of the Kashmir-Khalistan Referendum Front, attributing the attack to India's alleged violence against Kashmiris.
20-Dec-2023
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, in an interview with Financial Times, responded to allegations of an Indian assassination plot in the United States (US), stating that he would investigate any evidence but downplayed its impact on US-India ties. PM Modi also emphasized India's commitment to the rule of law, expressed concern about extremist groups abroad, and highlighted the strong bipartisan support for the US-India relationship.
20-Dec-2023
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) Member of Parliament (MP) Simranjit Singh Mann on December 20 expressed concern that the proposed legislations lack provisions for the National Security Advisor (NSA), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) director, and Intelligence Bureau (IB) director during a debate in the Parliament in New Delhi. Mann, known for his pro-Khalistan views, argued for parliamentary oversight to prevent unchecked actions by the NSA. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra dismissed Mann's mention of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, stating the lack of evidence.
20-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on December 20 recovered a drone on the outskirts of Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district. The drone, identified as a Quadcopter Model DJI Mavic Classic 3, was manufactured in China.
20-Dec-2023
The Jalandhar District and Sessions Court, on December 20, acquitted the main accused, Ranjit Singh alias Raja Kandola, and 13 others in the INR 200-crore ICE (crystal methamphetamine, a party drug) peddling case lodged on June 1, 2012, due to discrepancies in the investigation.
20-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 20 recovered 2.718 Kg of heroin and a drone from the fields near Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The drone was a Quadcopter - DJI Matrice RTK 300, made in China.
19-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on December 19 recovered 1 kg of heroin and 2 drones near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district.
19-Dec-2023
An arrested gangster identified as Amritpal Singh was killed in a shootout with Punjab Police on December 19 while being transported to Jandiala Guru in Amritsar district for the recovery of 2 kg of heroin and a pistol. During the operation, Amritpal attempted to escape and fired at the police, injuring them. In retaliation, the police shot him, and he later succumbed to his injuries. Police seized the 2 kg of heroin and the pistol along with .30-bore caliber cartridges.
19-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police, in a joint operation on December 19 intercepted and recovered a drone from near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a Quadcopter Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic, Made in China.
19-Dec-2023
Special Task Force (STF) recently booked Akshay Chhabra, a kingpin of an international drug syndicate, previously busted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for running a drug racket from Ludhiana Central Jail, in Ludhiana district. The STF also seized a cell phone used by Chhabra to contact clients.
19-Dec-2023
Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, on December 19, addressed the issue of youth falling victim to drug menaces in Punjab, emphasizing the need for anti-drug committees in villages to protect the youth from drug peddlers while speaking at a camp organized at Jatana Uncha village in Fatehgarh Sahib district. District officials briefed the governor on measures taken to ensure the benefits of Central Government schemes reach the grassroots level.
19-Dec-2023
Bathinda police on December 19 launched raids at drug hotspots in the district as part of their continued anti-drug campaign and arrested 32 individuals and impounded 27 vehicles from Bir Talab, Dhobiana Basti, and Kheta Singh Basti areas in Bathinda district. These locations were identified by the police as hubs for drug trade and harbouring anti-social elements.
18-Dec-2023
According to reports, the Punjab Police have been utilizing sports events to deter youth from drug abuse, organizing 340 events at the district level since December 1. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav emphasized the importance of engaging youth in sports to channel their energy positively. Despite Punjab having the highest number of drug smuggling cases in the country, the police hope that promoting physical activities will help discover hidden talents and inspire youth to lead a healthier lifestyle. The sports initiative has garnered positive responses, with participants ranging from six to over 70 years old, reflecting the Punjabi spirit and resilience.
18-Dec-2023
Police on December 18 arrested six smugglers identified as Pipal Singh, Gurjant Singh, Malook Singh, Deepak Partap Singh, Ankush Shukla and Charanjit Singh alias Channi, and seized 1.21 kg of heroin, INR 3.1 lakh drug money and two luxury vehicles from their possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The investigation revealed links to Pakistan-based smugglers, and the arrested individuals were involved in a drug racket operated by a US-based person named Jasmit Singh alias Lucky.
18-Dec-2023
A Delhi court on December 18 directed the lawyer of Congress leader Jagdish Tytler to provide details of the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the Delhi Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Pul Bangash anti-Sikh riots. The court requested information on the outcomes of the investigations and trials in these cases. Tytler is accused of inciting a mob during the 1984 riots, leading to the burning of a gurdwara and the killing of three Sikhs.
18-Dec-2023
Slogans affiliated with the Khalistani terror outfit Sikh For Justice (SFJ) were discovered on a metro pillar in the Tilak Nagar area of Delhi. The Delhi Police promptly responded by painting over the slogans and launched an investigation into the incident. SFJ, led by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been implicated in previous incidents promoting pro-Khalistan sentiments. Authorities are examining CCTV footage to identify the individuals responsible for the act.
18-Dec-2023
The Jathedar of the Akal Takhat, Giani Raghbir Singh, on December 18 led a prayer event with Dal Khalsa activists at Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar to mark two years since the sacrilege attempt, urging divine strength for justice. Dal Khalsa activists also staged a peaceful sit-in, questioning the government's failure to identify the perpetrators and expressing concerns about a potential deep conspiracy.
17-Dec-2023
On December 17, Deepak Ranga, who is linked to the rocket-propelled grenade attack on the Punjab Police's intelligence headquarters, was found with an active cell phone in Model Burail Jail in Chandigarh. Ranga is an associate of the gangster Harvinder Singh Rinda and was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The attack in May 2022 was reportedly orchestrated by Rinda with support from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
17-Dec-2023
Police on December 17 arrested two drug smugglers, identified as Muhammad Yasin alias Soni and Muhammad Rafi, and seized 3.5 kg of prohibited hashish from their possession in the Khushal Basti locality in Malerkotla district.
17-Dec-2023
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while speaking at an event organized by the Rotary Institute in Bangalore, Karnataka, on December 17, highlighted differences in the approaches of the United States (US) and Canada regarding their concerns with India. Jaishankar pointed out that while the US shared specific inputs accusing Indian national Nikhil Gupta of plotting an assassination, Canada did not provide such details regarding the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Jaishankar emphasized India's openness to addressing concerns and called for the expansion of permanent members in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
17-Dec-2023
The investigation into pro-Khalistan slogans near Chintpurni Temple in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh has taken a global turn, revealing a direct link to funding from Dubai. The three arrested individuals, Phool Chand, Arjinder Singh, and Harry Phillaur, disclosed receiving INR 25,000 from a Dubai source through an online medium for writing controversial slogans. This revelation raises concerns about external involvement in fostering anti-national sentiments, prompting authorities to seek custody for a more extensive investigation and to explore potential connections to similar incidents.
17-Dec-2023
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on December 17commemorated Guru Teg Bahadur's martyrdom, praising the Sikh Guru for his sacrifice for freedom and human dignity on the social media site X.
17-Dec-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on December 17 recovered 545 grams of heroin along with a drone from the farming field adjacent to Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a Made in China 'Quadcopter' DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
17-Dec-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on December 17 recovered 544 grams of heroin, from the outskirts of Attari village in Amritsar district.
17-Dec-2023
Police on December 17 arrested an individual identified as Jaskaranjit Singh alias Karan and seized 2 kg of heroin and INR 1,02,000 drug money from his possession in Nawanshahr in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
17-Dec-2023
Police on December 17 arrested two brothers and seized 300 grams of heroin from their possession, near Subhanpur village in Kapurthala district.
17-Dec-2023
Police on December 17 arrested an unidentified woman and seized 250 grams of heroin from her possession in Kapurthala in Kapurthala district.
17-Dec-2023
Police, on December 17, arrested three individuals alleged to be associated with the Bambiha gang, identified as Shankar Rajput, Jashav, and Navdeep from Daudar village in Moga district. The suspects were intercepted at a checkpoint, attempted to flee, and engaged in gunfire with the police. They eventually surrendered and were revealed to be associates of Bambiha gang members Lucky Patial and Mandeep Dhaliwal.
17-Dec-2023
According to reports, under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, the Punjab Police has adopted a stringent approach against gangsters, with seven encounters occurring in the last three weeks in Ludhiana, Mansa, Patiala, and Mohali districts of Punjab. The recent strategy involves taking decisive action against criminals who attempt to escape, shoot at law enforcement, or target civilians. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann has reportedly given the police a green light to address the issue of gangsters in the state, marking a notable shift in policy. The government aims to send a strong message to gangsters and discourage criminal activities.
16-Dec-2023
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) announced on December 16, during a press conference in Amritsar, that it has decided to postpone the December 20 protest in New Delhi. The protest was initially aimed at advocating for the release of Sikh prisoners and commuting the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana. The decision was made in the interest of maintaining unity within the five-member committee formed to engage in talks with the Centre on the release of Sikh prisoners. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the protest, which had been scheduled for December 20, is deferred for the larger benefit of the Sikh community. The SGPC had gathered approximately 26 lakh signatures during its campaign for the release of Sikh prisoners.
16-Dec-2023
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on December 16 accused Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann of allowing drug trafficking in jails, alleging that drug tablets are being sold. Sidhu challenged this statement and offered to leave politics if proven wrong.
16-Dec-2023
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Punjab Police on December 16 shot two gangsters identified as Karamjit Singh and Parambir Singh alias Prince, during an interception in Sohana in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The duo, linked to carjackings, extortion, and property dealer crimes, had stolen a car in November. Despite warning shots, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to the police shooting them.
16-Dec-2023
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Anurag Thakur, on December 16, while addressing the Parliament, revealed that over the past two years, the Indian government has blocked public access to 122 YouTube news channels. This action was taken due to the dissemination of content that violated Section 69A of the IT Act, in accordance with the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rule, 2021. Thakur also emphasized that the government has implemented appropriate measures against channels found in violation of the prescribed codes.
15-Dec-2023
Three motorcyclists fired upon a car in an apparent case of extortion in Jalandhar district on December 15. The incident caused panic in the area, but no injuries were reported. The targeted car belonged to a travel agent, and further details are awaited.
15-Dec-2023
Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, indicted in the United States (US) for plotting to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, allegedly at the behest of an Indian government official, on December 15 approached the Supreme Court of India against his arrest and ongoing extradition proceedings in the Czech Republic. The court has scheduled the petition for a hearing on January 4, 2024. Gupta's plea alleges irregularities in his arrest and claims violations of his rights, including denial of consular access and being forced to consume beef and pork while in custody in the Czech Republic. The extradition order is pending legal proceedings in the high court in Prague, Czech Republic.
15-Dec-2023
The Punjab Police State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on December 15 arrested Deep Singh, a member of the Bir Khalsa Group known for its stunts on America's Got Talent and holding a Guinness World Record, and recovered 500 grams of heroin from his possession in Tarn Taran district.
15-Dec-2023
Police of December 15 arrested two persons, identified as Sandeep Singh and his mother Manjit Kaur during a raid at a tea stall and seized 10 kg of poppy husk, in Abohar in Fazilka district.
15-Dec-2023
Police on December 15 arrested an individual identified as Rakesh and seized 220 intoxicating pills from his possession in Himmatpura in Fazilka district.
15-Dec-2023
According to reports, the Border Security Force (BSF) has urged Punjab Police to take 75 notorious smugglers and their associates into preventive custody during the upcoming foggy season to curb cross-border drug smuggling. The list, sent by the BSF to Punjab Police, indicates that Tarn Taran has the highest number with 23 smugglers, followed by Ferozepur with 20. The BSF emphasized the need for preventive detention due to traditional smuggling routes exploiting dense fog, especially in bordering districts such as Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. Punjab Police has been directed to take action under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1988.