KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
04-Nov-2023
Police on November 4 arrested three peddlers identified as Vikram Bishnoi, Karan Kumar and Dinesh and seized 700 gm of opium from their possession in Gumjal village in Fazilka district.
04-Nov-2023
The police on November 4 arrested Sucha Singh and recovered 4 grams of heroin along with INR 13,700 in drug money from his possession in Dharam Nagari in Fazilka district.
03-Nov-2023
Police on November 3 arrested two persons, identified as Mandip Kumar alias Munny and Jarnail Singh alias Jaila and seized four pistols and six cartridges from their possession in Rupnagar in Rupnagar district. They were arrested for their alleged involvement in various cases of dacoity, robbery, and snatching, and both suspects face multiple criminal cases in the district and were also wanted for an attempted robbery in Nawanshahr.
03-Nov-2023
The police on November 3 registered a First Information Report (FIR) after Dr. Chandan Chopra, who runs a general hospital in Tarn Taran district of Punjab, received an extortion call from the notorious gangster-turned-cross-border smuggler Happy Jatt. Happy Jatt demanded INR 2 crore. Dr. Chopra received calls from October 30 to November 3 and submitted a police complaint after the threat escalated, especially when he was threatened to harm his family.
03-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a drone near Tendi Wala village in Ferozepur district on the intervening night of November 3 and 4. The drone, a China-made DJI Mavic-3 Classic quadcopter, was recovered on November 4.
03-Nov-2023
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali on November 3 arrested two operatives of the Davinder Bambiha gang, identified as Harmanpreet Singh alias Hammy and Sukhvir Singh, and seized a .32-bore pistol in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district of Punjab. They were apprehended based on the disclosure of Lovepreet Singh, who was arrested on October 27. The gang was allegedly tasked with killing Punjabi singers and a member of the rival Lawrence Bishnoi gang, following instructions from Canada-based gangster Jahar Singh alias Prince Chauhan, known for extorting money from singers and businessmen in the state.
03-Nov-2023
The Fazilka police on November 3 claimed to have dismantled a terror module linked to the banned Khalistani terror outfit, Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with the arrest of its four operatives identified as Sharanjeet Singh, William Masih, Sehajpreet Singh alias Nirwair Singh alias Sunny, and Amarjeet Singh alias Nikka. The police seized five foreign-made pistols, smuggled from Pakistan via drone, along with 9 magazines and 23 cartridges from their possession. Sharanjeet and William were arrested on September 10 at the Punjab-Rajasthan border, where the police seized two pistols, 3 magazines, and 20 cartridges. Based on the information obtained during their interrogation, the police arrested Sehajpreet on October 27 in New Delhi, recovering three pistols, six magazines, and three cartridges from his possession. Sehajpreet confessed to operating on behalf of BKI head Harvinder Singh, communicating with other BKI operatives in different countries. Amarjeet was arrested on October 30, and an arms supplier identified as Kailash Khichan has also been implicated in the case.
03-Nov-2023
A local court on November 3 sent two members of the designated Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla’s gang, identified as Paramjit Singh and Kamaljit Singh, to a 5-day police remand in Dera Bassi in the Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused were allegedly involved in a recent encounter and are suspected of participating in criminal activities orchestrated by Arsh Dalla. Preliminary investigations revealed their connection to the murder of an eatery owner in Bathinda, leading to additional charges against them.
03-Nov-2023
On November 3, in a joint operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police recovered a packet of heroin weighing 490 grams from a field on the outskirts of Rattan Khurd village in Amritsar district.
03-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police, in a joint operation, on November 3 recovered a drone from a field near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The drone was a Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic made in China.
02-Nov-2023
The Special Task Force (STF), on November 2, arrested a drug smuggler identified as Lal Ji and seized 50 grams of heroin from his possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. He was produced in court and taken into one day of police remand. He used to obtain the drugs from the Fazilka border area and sell them in Mohali.
02-Nov-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 2 recovered a packet containing 850 grams of heroin near Bharopal village in Amritsar district.
02-Nov-2023
Police on November 2 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Sunil Kumar, and seized 10 grams of heroin from his possession at a blockade at Railway Crossing on Sotran Road in Banga in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district of Punjab.
02-Nov-2023
A Sikh community delegation, led by former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjeet Singh GK, met the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Adnan Abu Al-Hija, on November 2 in New Delhi and expressed concerns about the ongoing crisis, emphasizing their commitment to global peace and harmony. The delegation also stated their willingness to provide aid to both Israel and Palestine.
02-Nov-2023
Controversy arose when rose petals were showered on the Golden Temple from a helicopter during a religious procession, with some Sikh groups raising concerns about religious sanctity and security protocols. Advocate Neena Singh called for a ban on flights over the Golden Temple due to the perceived lack of religious decorum and head covering. While some criticized the act, others, like Balwinder Singh of the Hawara committee, argued that previous helicopter flights over the Golden Temple didn't violate religious codes or security significantly.
01-Nov-2023
Senior Advocate and former Punjab Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Harvinder Singh Phoolka has alleged receiving a threatening email on November 1 from the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), targeting him and journalist Sanjay Suri. Phoolka stated that in the email, addressed to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, SFJ threatened to eliminate both him and journalist Sanjay Suri. Suri serves as the main witness against Congress leader Kamal Nath in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Phoolka has requested PM Narendra Modi to investigate the email's authenticity and ensure Suri's security, as he works for CNN in the United Kingdom (UK). Sanjay Suri's book details his encounter with Kamal Nath during the riots, raising questions about Nath's influence and involvement in the violence against Sikhs.
01-Nov-2023
The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) on November 1 organized a Kirtan Darbar ceremony at Sonari Gurdwara Sahib to pay tribute to the victims of the 1984 Sikh massacre, with family members of the victims receiving 'Saropa’, in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. The event emphasized the Sikh community's unwavering quest for justice and accountability, with appeals to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and a strong commitment to remember and honour the victims.
01-Nov-2023
A senior official in the security establishment said on November 1 that Khalistani terrorists are using advanced communication methods such as VoIP, encrypted chat apps, VPNs, and virtual phone numbers to evade law enforcement while conducting operations and spreading anti-India propaganda. They also make use of various social media platforms for both private and public communication. Additionally, they employ domestic, cross-border, and international logistics. Some individuals have found refuge in the United States (US), Canada, and European countries, owing to differing perspectives and support for the Khalistan cause.
01-Nov-2023
State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali, along with local police on November 1 arrested three members of the designated Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla’s group, identified as Lovejeet Singh, Paramjit Singh and Kamaljit Singh and seized two illegal weapons, including a .32 bore and .30 bore pistols from their possession from a hotel in Baltana in Zirakpur in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. These arrests were made in connection with the recent murder of the president of the Mall Road Shopkeepers Association in Bathinda. The operation lasted approximately 20 minutes and involved an exchange of gunfire between the accused individuals and the police. During the crossfire, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pawan Kumar sustained a bullet injury to his right leg, and one of the arrested individuals, Lovejeet, was also wounded.
01-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab police, in a joint operation on November 1 recovered a drone carrying 3.242 kg of heroin near Rajatal village in Amritsar district.
01-Nov-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab police, in a joint operation on November 1 recovered a drone from fields on the outskirts of Mahwa village in Amritsar district of Punjab. The drone was a Quadcopter (Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic) made in China.
01-Nov-2023
Matchbox Shots, a prominent Indian production company, is set to make a movie based on the life and untimely death of Punjabi rap sensation Sidhu Moose Wala. This project will focus on the artist's journey from music to politics and his tragic shooting in 2022.
01-Nov-2023
A report prepared by the Punjab government reveals that there are 16,149 drug-related cases pending trial in the state's courts for over two years. The High Court (HC) requested this data due to the frequent non-appearance of police officers as prosecution witnesses in many drug seizure cases, leading to prolonged detentions. The report outlines measures to expedite trials, including the establishment of a state-level monitoring committee and disciplinary actions against officers who aid or harbour individuals accused of drug offenses.
01-Nov-2023
Police on November 1 arrested a man, identified as Jaspreet Singh and seized 1 kg of opium from his possession in Kabarwala village in Muktsar district.
31-Oct-2023
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches on October 31 related to a Punjab drug trafficking racket uncovered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The operation targeted the main accused, Akshay Kumar Chhabra, and his associates. The authorities seized INR 4.5 crore in cash, along with mobile phones, laptops, and papers related to the money trail and property transactions from multiple locations in Punjab’s Ludhiana, Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan’s Ganganagar. The NCB had previously arrested 19 individuals, including Afghan heroin processing experts, and uncovered two heroin processing laboratories in Ludhiana, linking the syndicate to drug routes from Dubai, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
31-Oct-2023
Gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Laddi Shooter, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near a railway crossing in Ferozepur district. Gurpreet was a member of the Shishu gang and had been involved in a shooting incident in April 2022, leading to his arrest along with the gang leader. Despite being on parole, he was killed, and the police are currently investigating the case, reviewing CCTV footage and collecting evidence to apprehend the assailants.
31-Oct-2023
The Police on October 31 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Avtar Singh alias Lali and seized 50 grams of heroin from his possession near Rahon, in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.
31-Oct-2023
The Police on October 31 arrested three persons identified as Rahul alias Akash alias Akashi, Jacob alias Junaid and Tinka and seized one rifle (.315 bore) from their possession near Madhre village in Ferozepur district.
31-Oct-2023
The Police on October 31 arrested Gurjant Singh alias Bhatti and seized one pistol (.32 bore) along with two rounds from his possession in Sadhu Shah Wala village Ferozepur district.
31-Oct-2023
According to sources, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), is reportedly being funded by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and is involved in an immigration racket. His goal is to incite anti-India sentiments among Punjab's youth, promote migration, and encourage attacks on Indian leaders. The ISI supports this propaganda effort as a cost-effective means to destabilize India. Pannun's referendum rallies in Canada have reportedly received very low turnout, which undermines the credibility of his claims of public support for Khalistan.
31-Oct-2023
On October 31, a post in the name of the gangster Arshdeep Singh Dalla went viral on social media, claiming that Mall Road Association president Harjinder Singh Johal alias Mela, was killed by his henchmen.
31-Oct-2023
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), issued death threats to top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, and prominent industrialists and celebrities such as Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kangana Ranaut in an email on October 31.
30-Oct-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on October 30 recovered four packets of heroin weighing 4.35 kg from a field in Kalsian village in Tarn Taran district.
30-Oct-2023
The Police on October 30 arrested a gangster identified as Subhash alias Bhashi alias Sukha following an exchange of fire, at a checkpoint near Sodhiwala village in Ferozepur district.
30-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint operation with the Punjab police on October 30 recovered a drone from a farming field near Nestha village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone is a Quadcopter (assembled).
30-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint operation with the Punjab police on October 30 recovered a drone in broken condition from a field in Attari village in Amritsar district.
30-Oct-2023
Punjab is facing a growing challenge of drug trafficking via drones, with recent joint operations by the Border Security Force and Punjab Police resulting in significant heroin seizures. These incidents highlight the need for enhanced measures to combat drone-assisted drug smuggling, with concerns pointing toward the involvement of drug cartels based in Pakistan. International cooperation is essential to effectively address this cross-border issue.
30-Oct-2023
Police on October 30 conducted a cordon and search operation targeting drug smugglers and wanted suspects in Fazilka district. A total of 189 houses were searched, 281 suspects were questioned, and three individuals were detained, with one arrest made, along with the detention of eight suspected vehicles.
29-Oct-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) on October 29 recovered 2.992 kg of heroin along with four cartridges of a .30 mm in the outskirts of Kalash Havelian village in Tarn Taran district.
29-Oct-2023
India's decision to partially resume visa services for Canadians is seen as a positive development amid strained relations, sparked by allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. The diplomatic row had caused disruptions for tourists, business travellers, and Indian students in Canada. While the standoff hasn't yet affected bilateral trade significantly, it underscores the importance of maintaining robust diplomatic ties for facilitating trade and economic growth.
29-Oct-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 29, during a search operation recovered a Chinese drone from a field near Daoke village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone is a Quadcopter (Model - DJI Mavic 3 Classic, made in China).
29-Oct-2023
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali, on October 29, arrested a key operative of the Bambiha gang identified as Lovepreet Singh alias Gagan Dhillon and seized one .30 bore pistol and 5 rounds in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The gang was running an extortion module, targeting businessmen, influential individuals, and members of the music industry in Punjab. Another suspect, Harmanpreet Singh, managed to flee. Efforts are ongoing to arrest him.
29-Oct-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and the Punjab Police during a joint search operation on October 29 recovered a packet containing 2.146 kg of heroin and a broken China-made DJI Mavic-3 Classic quadcopter drone on the outskirts of Bhaini village in Amritsar district.
29-Oct-2023
On October 29, two individuals identified as Amritpal Singh alias Sajan, and his uncle Kulwant Singh, were fatally shot by four armed men riding two motorcycles near Shaheed Udham Singh Chowk in Jandiala Guru’s Sheikhupura Mohalla in Amritsar district. The police have filed charges against the notorious gangster Happy Jatt, and efforts are currently underway to apprehend the four identified assailants. According to Superintendent of Police Gurpartap Singh Sahota, this incident resulted from an ongoing feud between rival gangs.
29-Oct-2023
The chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on October 29 praised Canada's Prime Minister (PM), Justin Trudeau, for facilitating open discussions about the Khalistani independence movement. The relationship between India and Canada has deteriorated due to Trudeau's allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a Khalistan separatist leader. Despite two unsuccessful Khalistan referendums in Canada, Pannun mentioned plans for more referendums in different Canadian cities in 2024, though their credibility has been questioned due to low voter turnout.
28-Oct-2023
Punjab Police on October 28 arrested four members of a terror module associated with the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), identified as Nirvair Singh alias Sehajpreet Singh alias Sunny, Shakeel Ahmed alias Laddi Gujjar, Lovepreet Singh alias Lambhu alias Sandhu and Saroop Singh alias Ropp alias Ghula and seized six foreign-made Zigana pistols and 275 cartridges from their possession in Chandigarh. Police have linked the smuggling of weapons to BKI leaders Harvinder Singh Rinda and United States (US) based terrorist Happy Passia, who collaborate with Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) and narco-gangsters to drop weapons via drones for targeted killings in the state.
28-Oct-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police during a joint search operation on October 28 recovered a drone along with a packet containing 407 grams of heroin from the fields on the outskirts of Wan village in Tarn Taran district. The drone is a China-made DJI Mavic-3 Classic quadcopter.
28-Oct-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police during a joint search operation on October 28 recovered two packets containing 1.6 kg of heroin in the fields near Gatti Mattar village in Ferozepur district.
28-Oct-2023
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena, on October 28, approved the filing of an appeal in the Supreme Court (SC) after the Delhi High Court (HC) rejected an appeal against the acquittal of 12 individuals in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots murder case in New Delhi. The case pertains to the killing of eight people in Nangloi, West Delhi, following the assassination of Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi. The HC cited an "inordinate delay" in the appeal, but the Delhi government argued that the delay should be calculated from the date of the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) report in 2019 rather than the trial court judgment in 1995.
28-Oct-2023
Police on October 28 arrested a man, identified as Deep Singh alias Deepu for allegedly spying for Pakistan-based intelligence agencies in Amritsar in Punjab. Police have confiscated his mobile phone. He was involved in sharing sensitive information about BSF and Army movements in the Chheharta area. A case under the Official Secrets Act has been registered, and he has been placed in police custody for further investigation.