KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
12-Aug-2023
Police on August 12 arrested two persons, Deepika and Lakhwinder and seized 35 gm heroin from their possession in Malout in Muktsar district.
12-Aug-2023
Police on August 12 arrested a man, identified as Khema Sahu and recovered 71 kg poppy husk from his possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
12-Aug-2023
The Police on August 12 arrested two persons, identified as Kali and Maluk Ram and recovered 10 kg poppy husk from their possession in Abohar in Fazilka district.
12-Aug-2023
A mutilated body of an unidentified Pakistan national aged 40-45 was discovered by the Border Security Force (BSF) on August 12 near Guddar Bhaini village in Fazilka district of Punjab. The body is assumed to have entered the Indian territory through the Sutlej River.
12-Aug-2023
Ludhiana Police Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kaustubh Sharma on August 12 stated that, over the past seven months, the Khanna police, under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amneet Kondal, have successfully dismantled four major criminal modules and arrested key members of notorious gangs involved in heinous crimes. The individuals arrested include kingpins and active members of gangs led by notorious criminals like Amrit Bal, Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, Lovejeet Kang, and Gagandeep Singh. These operations have resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, thwarting potential criminal activities. Additionally, the police have disrupted several interstate weapons supply modules through arrests and seizures.
11-Aug-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) on August 11 acknowledged the growing issue of drug trafficking and consumption in Punjab, emphasizing the need to address the drug menace and peddlers firmly.
11-Aug-2023
The Kapurthala police on August 11 registered a case against singer Manpreet Singh alias Singga, producer BK Singh, director Amandeep Singh, Virun Verma, Sonu Gill and song editor Jatin Arora, for promoting obscenity and gun culture in his 2022 song ‘Still Alive’ at the Kapurthala city police station under Sections 294 (obscenity) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case has been filed based on a complaint by Bhim Rao Force president Amandeep Sahota who has alleged that through his songs, the singer incited the youth of Punjab to take the wrong path by promoting weapons.
11-Aug-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 11 arrested two close associates of Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh Dala alias Arsh Dala, identified as Manpreet Singh alias Peeta and Mandeep Singh, from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, following their arrival from Manila, Philippines. They were wanted for terror activities, including funding and threats for the banned group Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). The duo had been involved in arms smuggling, extortion, and recruitment for the KTF, operating from Canada.
11-Aug-2023
The Additional Sessions Court in Chandigarh on August 11 framed charges against Jagtar Singh Hawara in two cases registered against him. The charges include waging war against the government, conspiracy, arms collection, and doing acts for the revival of terrorism and the formation of Khalistan. Hawara is currently serving a life term for assassinating former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh in Tihar Jail in New Delhi.
11-Aug-2023
A group of activists, led by Gursimran Singh Mand on August 11, attempted to hoist the Tricolour (Indian National Flag) at a house linked to the chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in Sector 15 of Chandigarh. The group also raised slogans against Khalistan and Pannun; however, Chandigarh Police intervened, citing concerns about law and order.
11-Aug-2023
Representatives of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha on August 11 stated that around 50 Sikh leaders plan to lead a peaceful protest march towards Chandigarh on August 15. Despite seeking permission for the march route, they have not received a response from the Chandigarh administration. The protesters have been demonstrating since January 7 at YPS Chowk, Mohali, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their jail sentences. The high court warned the police to remove the protesters by force if necessary, deferring the hearing for August 17.
11-Aug-2023
A Delhi court on August 11 provided a 10-day period to senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Jagdish Tytler to review the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) charge sheet and accompanying documents concerning the Pul Bangash killings case connected to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court will reconvene on August 21. The charge sheet accuses Tytler of inciting a mob that burned a gurdwara and resulted in the deaths of three Sikhs.
11-Aug-2023
A Pakistani infiltrator was shot dead by the Border Security Forces (BSF) on August 11 near the international border near Thekalan village in Tarn Taran District. Despite being challenged by the troops, the intruder ignored commands to halt and continued advancing. Consequently, the BSF personnel fired shots, resulting in the immediate death of the individual.
11-Aug-2023
Punjab Police on August 11 arrested a suspected smuggler, identified as Harpal Singh alias Bhala and recovered five kilograms of heroin from his possession at a checkpoint near Wan Tara Singh village in Tarn Taran district. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, Singh was actively participating in trans-border drug smuggling, with the narcotics being transported via drones, and investigations are ongoing to uncover Pakistan-based smugglers and intended recipients of the drugs.
11-Aug-2023
Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Moga police on August 11, arrested gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Dallewalia and recovered a pistol and five cartridges from his possession in Moga in Moga district. Gopi Dallewalia, along with Gaurav Sharma alias Goru Bacha are the alleged mastermind behind the murder of a rival gang member's father, Santokh Singh, who was shot dead by four assailants in his house on July 16, 2023. The killing was part of an ongoing gang war between the Bishnoi and Bambiha gangs in Moga, with Gopi Dallewalia being linked to the Bishnoi gang.
10-Aug-2023
The Jagraon city police on August 10 arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Pahara Singh and his two accomplices for allegedly extorting a couple who were facing charges in multiple drug peddling cases in Ludhiana district. The case was filed based on a complaint and audio recordings submitted by Inderjit Kaur alias Indu.
10-Aug-2023
According to sources, Indian authorities are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States (US) to extradite international arms dealer Dharmanjot Singh Kahlon who was recently detained in California, US. Kahlon is accused of smuggling weapons for various gangs, including AK-47 rifles, and for supplying weapons allegedly used in Sidhu Moose Wala murder. Kahlon is also a close associate of gangsters Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi.
10-Aug-2023
On August 10, Jagtar Singh Hawara, a convict in former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Beant Singh’s assassination case, appeared via video conferencing in Mohali district court for terrorism and sedition related cases. The court had received a letter from Delhi Police, stating that due to Independence Day security measures, they couldn't bring him to court in person. The court scheduled his in-person appearance on August 28 to present charge sheets.
10-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint search operation with Punjab Police on August 10, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 360 grams in Pallopati village in Tarn Taran district.
10-Aug-2023
The Punjab Police on August 10 busted a cross-border drug smuggling racket by arresting three smugglers, identified as Bhindar Singh alias Bhinda, Dilbag Singh alias Manu, and Manipal Singh alias Mani, and seized 12 kg heroin and a car from their possession, near Beharwal village in Amritsar district. The arrested individuals, connected to Pakistan-based smugglers, had criminal records and were part of a wider investigation to uncover the recipients of the consignment, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.
10-Aug-2023
Senior Congress leader and accused in the 1984 Pul Bangash killings case, Jagdish Tytler, on August 10 requested permission to appear before a Delhi court through video conferencing due to security concerns. Tytler's lawyer sought this remote appearance after a Sikh community protest during his previous court appearance on August 5.
10-Aug-2023
On August 10, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Talbir Gill posted a video on Facebook criticizing Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami for his apparent silence regarding the appointment of a non-Sikh director-principal at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research.
10-Aug-2023
The Minister of State for Security, United Kingdom (UK), Thomas Georg John Tugendhat, on August 10 announced an investment of £95,000 (approximately INR 1 crore) to counter the threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism, during a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM), S Jaishankar, in New Delhi. He also met with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. The UK and India are already collaborating through the Joint Extremism Task Force (JETF) to combat extremism, emphasizing actions against those promoting violent extremism and its financing.
09-Aug-2023
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on August 9 arrested five persons, identified as Anil Bhalla, Akash Bhalla, Sahil Bhalla, Nirmal Singh and Narinder Khillan, in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged drug trafficking, possession of illegal arms and ammunition, as well as extortion, after carrying out raids in various cities of Punjab. The ED seized Indian and foreign currency and fixed deposits worth about INR 6.25 crore besides arms and ammunition from various locations in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Zirakpur and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS) Nagar and Mohali, in Punjab, on August 8. On August 10, they were produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, which sent the five to ED custody till August 17.
09-Aug-2023
Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, on August 9 in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) stated that, the Border Security Force (BSF) has seized the highest amount of heroin from Punjab and Rajasthan and the maximum 'ganja' (Marijuana) from Tripura and West Bengal in the past three years. In Punjab, 506.241 kg heroin was seized in 2020, 485.581 kg in 2021, 320.884 in 2022 and 248.103 kg till June 30 this year, according to Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) data.
09-Aug-2023
The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on August 9 filed two separate supplementary charge sheets against several key members of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Bambiha gangs while court declared seven individuals including Arshdeep Dala of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) as proclaimed offenders (POs) in a case related to the multi-state terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler network. Notorious individuals like Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, a Khalistani terrorist associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and members of the Bambiha gang, have been implicated. The charge sheets are part of an ongoing investigation into a multi-state terrorist-gangster-drug smuggling network.
09-Aug-2023
The banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on August 9 offered a USD 10,000 reward for details about the Consul General of India in Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava; the High Commissioner of India to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma; and the Consul General of India in Vancouver, Manish. A poster released by SFJ, titled 'Assassination of Shaheed Jathedar Hardeep Singh Nijjar,' stated that SFJ would initiate criminal prosecution for Nijjar's killers in Canada. The poster also had images of Indian diplomats.
09-Aug-2023
Despite efforts by the Chandigarh and Punjab police to dissuade them, the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha on August 9 announced their intent to proceed with a protest march towards Chandigarh on August 15. The Chandigarh police on August 9 held a meeting with the protest organizers and activists of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha. The Morcha, which has been protesting since January 7 at YPS Chowk in Mohali, is demanding the release of Sikh prisoners.
09-Aug-2023
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on August 9 criticized the significant cuts made by the Indian Censor Board on a biopic about Punjab-based human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, terming it 'legal murder.' The SAD accused the Censor Board of bias and demanded the removal of the imposed cuts to ensure the film's integrity and truthfulness.
09-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) Assistant Commandant Gaurav Sharma, on August 9, in Amritsar, declared that the Indian BSF is vigilant and well-prepared to counter drone threats from Pakistan, with soldiers trained to detect suspicious drone activity and conduct investigations. The use of drones for smuggling narcotics and weapons by Pakistan poses a significant challenge, requiring constant monitoring and response. The increasing affordability and accessibility of drone technology heighten the threat, as Pakistan intensifies its proxy war through such means.
09-Aug-2023
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Ludhiana, Mandeep Singh Sidhu on August 9 stated that comprehensive effort by the Commissionerate Police has led to the arrest of 453 smugglers involved in smuggling and drug trade, with substantial seizures of 629 kg contraband and intoxicant pills and capsules which includes 398 kg of poppy husk, 167-kg ganja, 46-kg opium, 12.5-kg heroin, 4-kg each hashish and intoxicant powder, 1-kg charas, 25-gram cocaine,157-gm ICE and seven-gm lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) and over 46,000 pills and capsules since November 2022. Additionally, taking strong action against property crime, the police successfully investigated 618 cases involving stolen property valued at Rs 18 crore. The recovered items comprised 580 stolen vehicles, 1,219 snatched or stolen mobile phones, 4 kg of stolen gold ornaments, 4 kg of stolen silver jewellery, and looted cash totalling Rs 8.12 crore. Properties worth Rs 1.63 crore belonging to habitual offenders have been attached, demonstrating a zero tolerance approach to crime.
09-Aug-2023
The Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (ATF) on August 9 arrested four suspected members of the Bambiha gang, identified as Sukhjinder Singh alias Sukhi Khan, Yadwinder Singh, Husanpreet Singh and Jagsir Singh and recovered three pistols of .30 bore, 20 live cartridges and one Swift car from their possession near Handiya in Barnala district. Sukhi Khan sustained injuries during a 10-minute gunfight that occurred when the police intercepted their car.
09-Aug-2023
On August 9, the trial commenced for 25 accused individuals, including Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, in the murder case of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, at the Mansa District and Sessions Court through video-conferencing. The court proceedings included initial arguments on charges, and the next hearing is scheduled for August 23.
09-Aug-2023
Police on August 9 arrested three associates of the Billa gang, identified as Mehar Singh, Gurdeep Singh, and Vishal, and recovered two .32 bore pistols, three illegal weapons, and 23 cartridges from their possession near Lubanianwali village in Muktsar district. Mehar Singh sustained injuries when he jumped into a drain in an attempt to flee after their car was intercepted at a checkpoint.
09-Aug-2023
According to reports, despite disposing of 87,083 cases until July of this year (2023), the total case pendency of the Punjab and Haryana High Court remains relatively unchanged, standing at 4,42,805, down from 4,47,886. Factors influencing disposal include the nature and complexity of the cases. Over 1,66,427 criminal cases involving life and liberty are still pending. Even with the resumption of physical hearings, the backlog persists due to retiring and transferring judges, which affects the frequency of hearings for important cases.
09-Aug-2023
The chief of banned Khalistani terror outfit, Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in a video released on August 9, claimed to have issued an open letter to United States (US) Congressmen Rohit Khanna and Michael Waltz, who are in New Delhi to attend India’s Independence day celebrations on August 15, urging them to question Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi about the criminalisation of the Khalistan referendum and alleged political persecution of pro-Khalistan Sikhs by India. He also urged Sikhs to raise the Khalistani flags on August 15.
08-Aug-2023
The Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi, V K Saxena on August 8 approved the prosecution of two men, identified as Vikram Singh and Balram Singh who were arrested for painting pro-Khalistan graffiti with anti-national slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad”, “SFJ”, “1984”, “Punjab Banega Khalistan”, “Referendum 2020 Vote for Khalistan”, at multiple locations in West Delhi at the behest of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The accused were found with evidence linking them to the act, including CCTV footage and payment records. In the course of the investigation, the individuals revealed that they engaged in these actions based on directives from Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of SFJ.
08-Aug-2023
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on August 8 denied regular bail to Kulbir Singh, an alleged member of Khalistani terror outfits Babbar Khalsa Dal (BKI) and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), stating that Article 21 of the Constitution encompasses the right to live free from terrorism. The court emphasized the need for strong action against members of declared terrorist organizations and asserted that the government is responsible for ensuring a terrorism-free life for citizens.
08-Aug-2023
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Member of Parliament (MP) from Sangrur, Simranjit Singh Mann on August 8 addressing the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament), urged an end to Sikh killings globally, citing some recent examples of the death of Khalistani operatives like Avtar Singh Khanda, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, and Ripudaman Singh Malik, among other Sikhs like Deep Singh Sidhu and Sidhu Moosewala.
08-Aug-2023
At a meeting of prominent Sikh bodies held on August 8 in Ajnala in the Amritsar district, Amrik Singh Ajnala, the president of Damdami Taksal, criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for neglecting Sikh religious issues and evading responsibility. The meeting chaired by Amrik Singh highlighted concerns over stolen Sri Guru Granth Sahib copies and missing saroops.
08-Aug-2023
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on August 8 met with police officers in Patiala district to discuss law and order, focusing on combating drug smuggling, gangster-terror links, and anti-social elements. He emphasized thorough investigations and instructed officials to seize properties of drug smugglers, apprehend offenders, and address public grievances while maintaining zero tolerance for corruption. The visit occurred in preparation for Independence Day celebrations with Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann.
08-Aug-2023
Vikramjeet Singh Brar, a key aide of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on August 8 was granted a three-day police remand in Faridkot, Punjab in relation to the attempt to murder case of a Dera Sacha Sauda follower. He was brought from New Delhi following his deportation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Brar is facing multiple cases, including murder, attempt to murder, extortion, and his alleged involvement in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case, operating as a "control room" for the Lawrence Bishnoi terror gang from the UAE.
08-Aug-2023
Vikramjeet Singh Brar, a key aide of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, on August 8 was granted a three-day police remand in Faridkot, Punjab in relation to the attempt to murder case of a Dera Sacha Sauda follower. He was brought from New Delhi following his deportation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Brar is facing multiple cases, including murder, attempt to murder, extortion, and his alleged involvement in the Sidhu Moosewala murder case, operating as a "control room" for the Lawrence Bishnoi terror gang from the UAE.
08-Aug-2023
The Amritsar Customs and DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligence) on August 8 destroyed 527 kgs of narcotics, including Heroin and Ganja, through incineration in Amritsar, Punjab. The event was virtually attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
07-Aug-2023
Police on August 7 arrested three alleged drug peddlers, identified as Gurjinder Singh alias Sabi, Sandip Singh alias Fauji and Sanyam Aneja, and recovered four kilograms of heroin from their possession, after intercepting their car near Pulli village in Bathinda District.
07-Aug-2023
Gurcharan Singh Hawara, the foster father of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) chief Jagtar Singh Hawara, on August 7, announced that the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) plans to observe August 15 as a "Black Day" by marching from Mohali to Chandigarh. He said that the protesters will use black and saffron flags to protest the Punjab government's failure to release Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences. The ongoing protest at Mohali's YPS Chowk, which started on January 7, has caused disruptions in traffic. A previous clash with the police on February 8 resulted in injuries to 33 officers.
07-Aug-2023
Several Delhi residents received pre-recorded threat calls from the banned Khalistani organization Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), asking people to steer clear of the Red Fort on August 15 and warning of a potential terrorist attack during Independence Day celebrations. Following the initial report from Rohini, Delhi Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Budh Vihar police station in North West Delhi district. Many individuals, including government and media figures, subsequently received similar messages from overseas numbers.
07-Aug-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) in a joint operation with Punjab police on August 7 intercepted and recovered a Pakistani drone from the outskirts of Rajoke Village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone is a quadcopter, model DJI Matric RTK- 300.
07-Aug-2023
The anti-drug committee of Bhagta Bhaika village on August 7 apprehended three drug smugglers and turned them over to the police after recovering 15 gm of heroin and a weighing fork from their possession in Bhagta Bhaika village in Bathinda district. A video of the smugglers confessing to selling heroin to local residents was circulated on social media.
06-Aug-2023
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on August 6 at around 10 pm intercepted a drone entering Indian territory from Pakistan near Rattan Khurd village in Amritsar district. The following morning, on August 7, a joint search operation with Punjab Police was conducted, leading to the recovery of a damaged Hexacopter drone and a battery in a nearby farming field.