KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
07-Mar-2026
On March 7, the 46th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangsters Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahaar—the police conducted 471 raids, arrested 163 persons and recovered two weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 76 individuals, while 116 persons were verified and released after questioning. Five proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
07-Mar-2026
On March 7, Punjab Police, on day 371 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 72 drug smugglers, and seized 2.3 kg of heroin, 7 kg of ganja, 109 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 1000 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
07-Mar-2026
Chandigarh Police recently filed a chargesheet in a local court against 13 accused allegedly associated with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in connection with the murder of Inderpreet Singh alias Parry in Chandigarh. Parry, once a close aide of Bishnoi, was chased and shot dead in Sector 26 on December 1, 2025. Police said the murder was the result of a gang war linked to the killing of Bishnoi’s close associate, Jora Sidhu alias Sippa, in Dubai in November 2025.
06-Mar-2026
Punjab Police on March 6 arrested two suspects in connection with the daylight murder of Harpinder Singh alias Happy, the sarpanch (village head) of Patto Hira Singh village in Moga district. Police have registered a case against four named suspects and seven unidentified persons in the incident. Following the registration of the FIR and the arrest of two suspects, the victim’s family ended their protest late on the night of March 6.
06-Mar-2026
Four unidentified assailants shot dead a sarpanch (village head), identified as Harpinder Singh alias Happy, in broad daylight at the main market of Baghapurana in Moga district on March 6. According to sources, the assailants fired multiple rounds at close range before fleeing the crowded marketplace. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi stated that preliminary investigations suggest the killing was likely the result of personal enmity, and that police were examining all aspects of the case. Multiple police teams have been formed to track down the suspects and the vehicle used in the crime.
06-Mar-2026
The Commissionerate Police in Amritsar on March 6 dismantled a cross-border illegal arms smuggling module by arresting five accused and one juvenile and seizing five sophisticated pistols, 34 live cartridges, and a sharp-edged weapon from their possession, in Maqboolpura area of Amritsar District. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based arms smugglers through social media platforms and had allegedly coordinated the delivery and distribution of illegal weapons at various locations in and around the city.
06-Mar-2026
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on March 6 arrested four alleged drug peddlers, identified as Deepak Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Parmraj Singh, and Samir Singh and recovered 260 grams of heroin and INR 5.47 lakh in drug money from them near the International Border in Amritsar district.
06-Mar-2026
Punjab Police has invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against two of the three accused arrested for the February 22 murder of two police personnel in a border village of Gurdaspur district, citing their alleged links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Sources said investigators have nearly solved the murder of Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh and Home Guard Kumar and are now tracing the money trail, as one of the accused, Inderjit, reportedly received funds. Preliminary findings indicate that financial distress and a quest for notoriety were key motives behind the crime. One of the prime accused, Ranjit, who worked in Delhi, reportedly suffered heavy losses in stock market investments. Inderjit, meanwhile, was allegedly seeking entry into organised crime and drug networks to “make a name” through violent acts. While Ranjit and Dilawar had no prior criminal record, Inderjit had two theft cases and one case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) pending against him. Police sources also indicated that he was a small-time drug peddler who had been in contact with smugglers in Pakistan.
06-Mar-2026
According to official sources, Indian intelligence agencies have warned of a possible escalation in violent activities linked to pro-Khalistan groups, including plans to carry out targeted killings in India and abroad. Security agencies believe that recent diplomatic efforts to reset relations between India and Canada have frustrated Khalistani elements operating overseas, raising concerns about possible retaliatory actions.
05-Mar-2026
On March 5, the 44th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangsters Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahaar—the police conducted 511 raids, arrested 207 persons and recovered two weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 100 individuals, while 138 persons were verified and released after questioning. Five proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
05-Mar-2026
On March 5, Punjab Police, on day 369 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 73 drug smugglers, and seized 545 grams of heroin, 10 kg of poppy husk, 1515 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 3220 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
05-Mar-2026
The family of Ranjit Singh, who was shot dead by Police in an alleged encounter near Puranashala township on February 25, has refused to cremate his body, demanding murder charges against the Police personnel involved, in Gurdaspur district. Ranjit, was an accused in the recent killing of an ASI and a Home Guard jawan at a border check post in the district and was reportedly shot when he allegedly opened fire on Police. His family, along with several trade and farm unions, has announced a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office on March 9. Meanwhile, Punjab Police added charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to the FIR registered in the killing of the ASI and the Home Guard jawan. The law allows for individuals to be designated as terrorists and permits extended detention without bail, often exceeding 180 days. Gurdaspur Police have claimed that the accused—Ranjit Singh, Inderjit Singh, and Dilawar Singh—had links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
04-Mar-2026
Amritsar City Police on March 4 arrested a woman and seized 20 grams of heroin along with INR 1,120 drug money from her possession in Amritsar district.
04-Mar-2026
Faridkot Police on March 4 arrested a suspected smuggler, identified as Akash, and seized 2.064 kg of heroin along with INR 20,000 in alleged drug money from his possession, near the Chandbaja village bridge in Faridkot district.
04-Mar-2026
Faridkot Police on March 4 arrested Jagwinder Singh alias Kala, an associate of the Bambiha gang and seized three illegal weapons from his possession, in Faridkot district.
04-Mar-2026
Police on March 4 arrested a drug smuggler and seized 2 kg of heroin from his possession in Faridkot district. Preliminary interrogation indicated that the consignment was meant for further distribution, suggesting the accused’s links with a larger drug trafficking network.
04-Mar-2026
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Director Amanjit Singh, citing the 51st report of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Committee, in Ludhiana, stated that Punjab has around 7.4 million drug users, including about 700,000 in the 10–17 age group. He observed that the state is severely affected by drugs such as heroin, opioids, sedatives, and inhalants, adding that cocaine is also increasingly entering the state.
03-Mar-2026
Delhi Police on March 3 arrested Rohit Solanki, a member of the rival Rohit Godara gang, for firing at advocate Deepak Khatri, counsel for jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, at Kashmere Gate in New Delhi. According to investigators, Solanki was the key conspirator and one of the shooters in the February 24 attack, which occurred when Khatri was returning with friends after offering prayers at the Marghat Wale Temple.
03-Mar-2026
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested a man, identified as Biswas, from West Bengal for allegedly sending a series of bomb threat emails in the name of Khalistan targeting schools and lower courts across Gujarat. He has been taken into remand and is currently being interrogated. Authorities said the accused sent multiple threatening emails to institutions across the state.
03-Mar-2026
The autopsy of Ranjit Singh, who was shot dead by Police in an alleged encounter near Puranashala township on February 25, was conducted at Gurdaspur Civil Hospital in the presence of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) on March 3. His death has triggered controversy, with family members disputing the Police claim that he was killed in an exchange of fire. Earlier, members of the “Ranjit Singh Jhoota Muqabala Action Committee,” including his relatives, gathered outside the hospital mortuary, while the radical outfit Dal Khalsa called for protests over the alleged encounter.
03-Mar-2026
Delhi Police is investigating fresh death threats received by defence entrepreneur Sahil Luthra from international numbers, with the callers claiming responsibility for a past firing incident at his Amritsar residence and demanding INR 10 crore. In a complaint filed at the Chanakyapuri Police Station on February 27, Luthra, Managing Director of Vijayen Trishul Defence Solutions (VTDS), said he received two threatening calls on February 26 from numbers with Portugal and Germany country codes. Police are examining possible cross-border linkages and the potential involvement of banned outfits.
03-Mar-2026
On March 3, Punjab Police, on day 367 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 87 drug smugglers, and seized 1.1 kg of heroin, 2 kg of poppy husk, 408 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 17,950 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
03-Mar-2026
The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Fazilka, in a joint operation with the Border Security Force (BSF), on March 3 arrested a woman, Palo Bai, and her son, Gurwinder Singh and seized 3.230 kg of heroin from their possession, near Mohammad Pira village in Fazilka district.
02-Mar-2026
On March 2, the 41st day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangsters Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahaar—the police conducted 409 raids, arrested 132 persons and recovered five weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 71 individuals, while 116 persons were verified and released after questioning. Four proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
02-Mar-2026
On March 2, Punjab Police, on day 366 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 92 drug smugglers, and seized 1.2 kg of heroin, 3 kg of opium, 11 kg of poppy husk, 635 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 4720 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
02-Mar-2026
The Amritsar Rural Police on March 2 arrested three more suspects, Rehmat Ali, Sanjeev, and Gagan, in connection with the January 29 seizure of nearly 43 kg of heroin and a cache of arms, taking the total number of arrests in the case to nine, in Amritsar district. Deputy Superintendent of Police Dharminder Kalyan stated that the three were working as couriers in the illegal drug trade and were involved in transporting the contraband as part of a larger smuggling network. Meanwhile, the Police have issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against the prime accused, Karan Singh alias Karan Chheharta, a resident of Chheharta currently based in Dubai, who is believed to be the key handler behind the cross-border drug and arms consignment.
02-Mar-2026
In a joint operation on March 2, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) arrested a Pakistani drug smuggler, identified as Abu Bakar, and recovered 10 kg of heroin in the Khemkaran sector along the Indo–Pakistan border in Tarn Taran district. The accused allegedly crossed the barbed-wire fence and entered Indian territory. Authorities are investigating how he managed to breach border security. This is believed to be the first instance of a Pakistani smuggler being caught alive with contraband.
02-Mar-2026
Nakodar Police on March 2 arrested a man, identified as Inderjit Singh alias Indu and recovered 4 grams of heroin from his possession, near the Bilga bus stand in Jalandhar district.
02-Mar-2026
Police on March 2 arrested a man, identified as Abhishek alias Abhi, and seized 28 loose intoxicant tablets from his possession in Mohalla Guru Nanakpura, Nakodar, in Jalandhar district.
02-Mar-2026
Police on March 2 arrested an accused, identified as Gurdev Singh and seized 3 kg of opium from his possession, in Moga district. He had earlier been booked under the NDPS Act on August 9, 2025, when 265 grams of heroin were recovered from him, but was released on bail and allegedly resumed drug smuggling.
02-Mar-2026
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann stated in Chandigarh on March 2 that the state’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign has completed one year, claiming intensified enforcement against drug trafficking networks and higher conviction rates under the NDPS Act. He said the drive, conducted between March 2025 and February 2026 under a “zero-tolerance” policy, focused on dismantling supply lines and organised networks while encouraging public participation. Citing official data, Mann said 36,178 FIRs were registered against alleged drug traffickers during the year and 51,648 people were arrested. Enforcement agencies also seized 2,277 kg of heroin and more than 4.9 million intoxicant tablets and capsules, while INR 16.70 crore in alleged “drug money” was recovered. He added that properties linked to accused traffickers were seized or demolished, though no details were provided on the number or value of assets. On prosecution outcomes, the CM said the overall conviction rate under the NDPS Act stood at around 84%, rising to about 88% in 2025, attributing the improvement to stronger case preparation and enhanced forensic support.
01-Mar-2026
Rajasthan Police on March 1 launched a major crackdown on organised gangs and arrested 214 criminals linked to various networks, including the Lawrence Bishnoi and Rohit Godara gangs, across 19 districts of the state. The operation targeted gangs involved in illegal arms possession, extortion, and other criminal activities. Among those arrested were 11 reward-carrying criminals, 157 persons with pending warrants, and 46 other wanted individuals. Police also seized 32 vehicles and 19 mobile and electronic devices as evidence. A total of 1,276 criminals were identified for the special operation, including 383 linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi–Rohit Godara gang, 534 associated with local gangs, and 359 wanted criminals from other categories. Police teams conducted coordinated raids across the state to apprehend them. During the operation, Police also recovered illegal weapons and narcotics. In 30 cases registered under the Arms Act, 17 pistols, three country-made pistols, 14 cartridges, six knives, and six daggers were seized. In 34 cases under the NDPS Act, authorities recovered 1.166 kg of heroin, 8.544 grams of smack, 5.29 grams of MD, 300 grams of opium, 14.792 kg of cannabis, and 26.08 kg of poppy husk. Additionally, in Jhunjhunu district, Police recovered 8,153 opium plants during action against illegal opium cultivation.
01-Mar-2026
Mehatpur village Sarpanch (village head) and Jamhoori Kisan Sabha leader Mahinder Singh was critically injured after being attacked by alleged drug peddlers in Jalandhar district on March 1. According to family members and residents, four to five men, who had reportedly lain in wait, assaulted him with iron rods and sharp weapons before fleeing as villagers rushed to his aid. Locals allege the attack was in retaliation for his persistent complaints against “chitta” (synthetic drug) trafficking in the area, sparking protests outside the Mehatpur police station.
01-Mar-2026
On March 1, the 40th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangsters Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahaar—the police conducted 499 raids, arrested 179 persons and recovered four weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 80 individuals, while 113 persons were verified and released after questioning. Seven proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
01-Mar-2026
On March 1, Punjab Police, on day 365 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 86 drug smugglers, and seized 878 grams of heroin, 105 kg of poppy husk, 523 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 3720 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
01-Mar-2026
Police on March 1 arrested two members of the Bambiha gang, identified as Amandeep Singh alias Captain and Pavandeep Singh alias Billa alias Sunny, both residents of Faridkot district, Punjab and recovered 11 pistols and 22 magazines from their possession, in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Preliminary investigations indicate that the weapons were intended for use in an impending gang war in Punjab.
01-Mar-2026
The family of Ranjit Singh—one of the three accused in the killing of an ASI and a Home Guard, who was allegedly killed in a police encounter on February 25—along with several organisations, including farm unions and religious groups, blocked the Pathankot–Amritsar National Highway (NH) on March 1.
28-Feb-2026
Unidentified assailants on February 28 fired seven to eight gunshots outside the residence of a veterinary doctor in the Mota Singh Nagar locality of Jalandhar district. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident. Later in the evening, another firing incident was reported outside the residence of the owner of Vardaan Hospital in Jalandhar district.
28-Feb-2026
The State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) on February 28 foiled a terror conspiracy by arresting two suspects and recovering a fully assembled RDX-based improvised explosive device (IED) weighing approximately 2.5 kg, along with a Glock pistol and four live cartridges in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district. Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused were allegedly acting under the directions of foreign-based handlers.
28-Feb-2026
Dal Khalsa has called on residents to assemble in Gurdaspur on March 1 to protest the killing of youth Ranjit Singh, which it described as a “fake encounter” by the Gurdaspur police, alleging that Punjab continues to function as a police state. Party leaders Kanwar Pal Singh, Paramjeet Singh Mand, and Paramjit Singh Tanda announced the protest.
28-Feb-2026
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand on February 28 stated in Mumbai that no country, including India, gets a free pass to engage in foreign interference in Canada. However, she declined to clarify whether she believes India is currently involved in such activities.
28-Feb-2026
On February 28, the 39th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangsters Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahaar—the police conducted 548 raids, arrested 224 persons and recovered 17 weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 111 individuals, while 136 persons were verified and released after questioning. Four proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
28-Feb-2026
On February 28, Punjab Police, on day 364 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 89 drug smugglers, and seized 2.3 kg of heroin, 1.8 kg of opium, 1766 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 15,980 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
28-Feb-2026
The Amritsar Commissionerate Police on February 28 arrested three persons, Gurpreet alias Billa, Lovepreet alias Love, and Satnam Singh alias Judge and recovered 3.230 kg of heroin, one 9mm Zigana pistol, one 9mm Glock pistol, and 32 live cartridges from their possession in Guru Ki Wadali, Amritsar district. Lovepreet was also wanted in a murder case registered at Lopoke police station in Amritsar Rural.
28-Feb-2026
The Amritsar Commissionerate Police on February 28 arrested two persons, Manpreet alias Manna and Gurlal alias Dima and seized 205 grams of heroin, INR 4,500 drug money and a motorcycle from their possession in Amritsar district.
28-Feb-2026
The Amritsar Commissionerate Police on February 28 arrested four persons, Gurpreet alias Gopi, Shankar Kumar, Anish alias Yakki, and Ravi alias Ganja alias Takla and seized 2 kg of heroin from their possession in Amritsar district.
28-Feb-2026
Police on February 28 arrested one person, identified as Rohit alias Dakku and recovered a .32-bore pistol along with two live cartridges from his possession, in Mohkampura, Amritsar district.
27-Feb-2026
The Amritsar Rural Police on February 27 arrested two alleged drug traffickers, identified as Gursewak Singh alias Sebo and Surjit Singh alias Kaku and seized 1 kg of heroin from their possession near Ranike village in Amritsar district.
27-Feb-2026
On February 27, police arrested one person, identified as Prabhjot Singh alias Prabh and recovered 12 grams of heroin from his possession in Mattewal, Amritsar district.
27-Feb-2026
Police on February 27 arrested two suspects, identified as Jagbir Singh alias Jaggu and Kishan Pal Singh alias Babbu and recovered 270 grams of heroin, a broken pistol, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle from their possession near Daliri village in Tarn Taran district.