KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
17-Jun-2026
On June 17, a series of bomb threat e-mails sent in the name of the Khalistan National Army triggered a high-security alert across Gujarat, prompting the evacuation of key government buildings and extensive anti-sabotage operations in multiple cities. The threatening e-mails were sent to the official inboxes of Municipal Commissioners and Mayors of the Vadodara, Surat, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar Municipal Corporations. The messages contained inflammatory content, allegedly referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and claimed responsibility in the name of the Khalistan National Army.
17-Jun-2026
On June 17, bomb threat e-mails were received on the official e-mail IDs of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation and the Deputy Commissioner's office, triggering a security alert. The sender threatened to carry out blasts using a “human bomb” and warned of attacks on the Mayor’s office, the Municipal Corporation office, the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and railway tracks in the city.
16-Jun-2026
According to reports, Indian security agencies have flagged the emergence of the Khalistani Liberation Army (KLA), a new and potentially dangerous Khalistani terror outfit, describing it as one of the most trained, armed, and organised groups to emerge under the Khalistani extremist umbrella in recent years. Sources indicate that Khalistani elements, allegedly with support from other international terrorist networks, have established a trained militant wing aimed at disrupting law and order in India. The group claimed responsibility for recent explosions in Punjab and had previously surfaced in investigations following a blast in Punjab's Sirsa district in November 2025. Security agencies have now formally identified the KLA as an emerging threat, raising concerns that India may face a new proxy terrorist structure modelled on Pakistan-backed militant networks.
16-Jun-2026
On June 16, the 147th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 579 raids, arrested 291 persons and recovered four weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 93 individuals, while two persons were verified and released after questioning. Three proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
16-Jun-2026
On June 16, Punjab Police, on day 472 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 80 drug smugglers, and seized 740 grams of heroin, 1062 intoxicant pills and INR 16000 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
16-Jun-2026
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 16 arrested Gurjinder Singh alias Baba Beant in connection with the April 27 explosion on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) railway track in the Shambhu area of Patiala district. He was produced before a special NIA court in Mohali, which remanded him to eight days of police custody. Reports indicate that Gurjinder was already lodged in Patiala jail in connection with another case.
16-Jun-2026
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 16 attached a house in Amritsar district linked to a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative in a transnational narco-terror network spanning several countries. The property was registered in the name of the father of accused Ankush Kapoor, a key India-based operative of the network with links extending to Italy, Australia, Iran, Thailand, the UAE, and Pakistan. NIA investigations revealed Ankush's connections with a Dubai-based accused associated with the banned terrorist organisation. Arrested in 2025, Ankush was found to be a key conspirator involved in the smuggling, transportation, storage, and distribution of narcotics, as well as laundering terror proceeds for operatives in multiple countries.
16-Jun-2026
According to reports, Ludhiana-based hotelier Mohit Negi, owner of Hotel Royal Manor on Pakhowal Road, has been booked for allegedly sheltering members of an extortion gang operating under the direction of Europe-based kingpin Namit Sharma, who is believed to be hiding in Portugal. The gang allegedly extorted businessmen and industrialists in Punjab and, in some cases, opened fire at the premises of those who refused to pay. Investigations revealed that Negi provided accommodation to gang members at his hotel before and after planned criminal activities. A case has been registered against him.
16-Jun-2026
The Special Task Force (STF) of Haryana Police has arrested Mamta Rani, wife of gangster Sachin and an alleged associate of the Monu Gujjar and Noni Rana gangs, after bringing her back from Russia. A resident of Dhanora village in Karnal district, Mamta is accused of providing financial and logistical support to the gang. She was wanted in connection with a case registered by the STF in Yamunanagar district on March 15 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. Several gang members had earlier been arrested in the case, leading to the seizure of a large cache of illegal weapons. Investigations revealed that the accused had conspired to murder a car sale and purchase agent in Yamunanagar.
15-Jun-2026
Gursharan Singh Chhina, Chairman of the Punjab Health Systems Corporation, on June 15 stated that more than 90,000 individuals struggling with substance abuse have received de-addiction, rehabilitation, and recovery services across Punjab under the state government's flagship anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh, launched in March 2025. Chhina noted that while enforcement agencies continue their crackdown on drug traffickers and suppliers, equal emphasis is being placed on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and public awareness to ensure the long-term success of the campaign.
15-Jun-2026
On June 15, Punjab Police, on day 471 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 83 drug smugglers, and seized 3.7 kg of heroin, 70 kg of poppy husk, 446 intoxicant pills, and INR 2,500 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
15-Jun-2026
Police on June 15 arrested Advocate Rohit Bhardwaj, former president of the BJP’s Bathinda district legal cell, and his assistant Gurpreet Singh and recovered 13.53 grams of methamphetamine (ICE) and 14.03 grams of heroin from their car, in Bhai Ghanaiya Chowk in Bathinda district.
15-Jun-2026
According to sources, Chandigarh Police have identified the three accused involved in the June 13 killing of an employee at Kumar Medical Hall in Sector 11, Chandigarh. Two of the suspects are reportedly residents of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, although the police have not disclosed the identity of the third accused. Meanwhile, sources claim that two chemist shop owners in Sector 11 and a businessman in Sector 19 have also received threat calls. However, the police have not officially confirmed these reports.
15-Jun-2026
According to reports, the arrest of Saurav Biswas, a Bangladeshi national who had illegally entered India and settled in West Bengal, enabled Chandigarh Police to crack two hoax bomb threat cases that had triggered panic at Chandigarh schools and the Punjab Civil Secretariat earlier in 2026. Biswas, described by police as a tech-savvy freelance web designer and animator, was arrested on June 2 after Chandigarh Police obtained a production warrant from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he was already in the custody of the Cyber Crime Police Station for a similar offence. He was subsequently remanded to police custody by the Sector 17 and Sector 3 police stations for further interrogation.
15-Jun-2026
Police on June 15 arrested two persons, Ashok Singh (40) and Akashdeep Singh (22), after uncovering a surveillance operation conducted by anti-national elements based in Pakistan and Canada targeting the movement of security personnel near the high-security military zone in Bathinda district. The unauthorised solar-powered Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera, fitted with a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, was installed on an electricity pole along the Bathinda-Sriganganagar Road and had reportedly been operational for nearly three months. Camera feed was being transmitted to anti-national elements based in Pakistan and Canada.
14-Jun-2026
Patiala Police on June 14 arrested five alleged members of a robbery and extortion gang and seized five .32-bore pistols, four .315-bore pistols, one .32-bore revolver, and 20 live cartridges from their possession, in Patiala district. Police suspect the firearms were intended for use in gang-rivalry attacks.
14-Jun-2026
On June 14, the 145th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 529 raids, arrested 302 persons and recovered four weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 126 individuals, while two persons were verified and released after questioning. Nine proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
14-Jun-2026
On June 14, Punjab Police, on day 470 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 70 drug smugglers, and seized 3.7 kg of heroin, 250 intoxicant pills and INR 9500 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
14-Jun-2026
Amritsar Police on June 14 arrested two more accused, identified as Abhishek alias Abhi alias Bhindi and a juvenile, and recovered an additional 5.041 kg of heroin in Amritsar district. The arrests were made following disclosures by six accused who had been arrested on June 11 with 30.045 kg of heroin. Police stated that Abhishek has a criminal history and is involved in multiple cases, including snatching, assault, narcotics offences, and violations of the Arms Act.
14-Jun-2026
Police on June 14 arrested two persons, identified as Balraj Sharma and Raj Kumar and recovered 4.1 kg of opium in a car on the Bathinda-Barnala Road in Bathinda district.
13-Jun-2026
Two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at the residence of Harbhagwan Singh in Kamalgarh Kalan village, Ferozepur district on June 13. The attackers reportedly fired four rounds before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported. Harbhagwan Singh alleged that the attack was linked to an ongoing property dispute with a relative residing in Canada, claiming that the dispute had persisted for the past two to three years and that the firing was intended to intimidate him and his family. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
13-Jun-2026
On June 13, Janki Das, an employee of Shri Kumar Medical Hall and a native of Rohru in Himachal Pradesh, was shot dead at point-blank range by unidentified assailants in Sector 11, Chandigarh. The three accused, who reportedly arrived on a stolen motorcycle bearing a Punjab registration number, fired 13 rounds at the cashier before fleeing to a neighbouring state. Police have rounded up several individuals for questioning, while photographs of the suspects have been widely circulated on social media. Soon after the killing, Canada-based gangster Goldy Dhillon claimed responsibility for the attack through a Facebook post. The post identified the “Kumar brothers” as the target, although the shooting occurred at Shri Kumar Medical Hall, raising suspicions that the owners of nearby establishments may have been the intended targets. The message also warned of consequences for those allegedly supporting the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
13-Jun-2026
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on June 13 arrested two alleged members of a criminal network, identified as Kuldeep Singh and Abhiman Singh, and recovered two country-made .32-bore pistols and five live cartridges from their possession, from the Ring Road area in Bathinda district. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were linked to a criminal network operated by a jailed gangster active in the Ferozepur region. Both suspects have a criminal history and are allegedly involved in multiple criminal cases, including attempted murder and offences under the Arms Act.
13-Jun-2026
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on June 13 arrested a suspected drug trafficker, identified as Davinder Singh alias Ekam and recovered 3.55 kg of heroin from his possession, in Ferozepur district.
13-Jun-2026
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on June 13 arrested a person, identified as Ranjeet Singh alias Rana and recovered 3.1 kg of heroin from his possession, in Machhiwara in Ferozepur district.
13-Jun-2026
On June 13, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested a suspected drug trafficker, identified as Ranjeet Singh alias Rana and recovered 2.795 kg of opium, 485 grams of a white intoxicating powder, and 1.35 kg of an intoxicating black liquid from his possession, in Ferozepur district.
13-Jun-2026
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on June 13 arrested an alleged drug peddler, identified as Harinderpal Singh and recovered 336 grams of heroin and INR 919,000 in suspected drug proceeds from his possession, near Jandiala Guru in Amritsar district.
13-Jun-2026
On June 13, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan claimed that more than 67,000 drug peddlers had been arrested since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) assumed power in the State. Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, Sandhwan asserted that those involved in drug trafficking would face stringent legal action. He also emphasised the need for active societal participation to eradicate the menace of drug addiction from Punjab.
13-Jun-2026
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, on June 13, speaking at a public event in Jalandhar, claimed that 70 per cent of the drugs reaching Punjab were entering through Gujarat, alleging that the State had become a major gateway for narcotics under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he referred to as the “ED Party.” Kejriwal also described gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as the “ED Party ka damaad” (“the BJP’s son-in-law”), implying that he was receiving protection from the Central Government.
12-Jun-2026
On June 12, two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly opened fire at the BMS Fashions showroom in Santokhpura, Jalandhar district, shattering the glass panes near the entrance after firing two shots. According to showroom owner Subhash Chander, his son had received an extortion call from an unidentified number on June 11, which went unanswered. The callers subsequently contacted him via WhatsApp and allegedly demanded INR 5 million as extortion money.
12-Jun-2026
According to Punjab Police records, more than 400 small weapons smuggled from Pakistan have been seized in 2025, with recoveries increasing nearly eightfold after Operation Sindoor. Since March 1, 2025, the Amritsar Police alone have recovered around 325 pistols, most allegedly smuggled from Pakistan. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also reported a sharp rise in cross-border arms trafficking, seizing over 200 sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, and intercepting 139 pistols in the past six months. The border districts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran recorded the highest number of drone intrusions and arms recoveries. Repeated seizures of foreign-made Glock, Beretta, and Turkish PX5 pistols, along with assault rifles, sub-machine guns, and ammunition, underscore the growing threat posed by drone-enabled smuggling networks and the enhanced capabilities of criminal and extremist groups.
12-Jun-2026
On June 12, the 143rd day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 571 raids, arrested 358 persons and recovered six weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 119 individuals, while 7 persons were verified and released after questioning. Three proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
12-Jun-2026
On June 12, Punjab Police, on day 468 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 74 drug smugglers, and seized 208 grams of heroin, 150 kg of poppy husk, 1119 intoxicant pills and INR 262000 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
11-Jun-2026
On June 11, Punjab Police, on day 467 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 104 drug smugglers, and seized 1.2 kg of heroin, 3 kg of poppy husk, 257 intoxicant pills and INR 6250 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
11-Jun-2026
On June 11, the 142nd day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 593 raids, arrested 360 persons and recovered four weapons from their possession. Six proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
11-Jun-2026
Amritsar Police on June 11 dismantled a drug-smuggling network linked to Dubai-based kingpin Karan Chheharta and arrested six persons, identified as Gautam, Kabir alias Kaku, Sameer alias Sabarwal, Gurpreet Singh alias Keeda two juveniles and seized 30 kg of heroin from Chheharta in Amritsar district. Investigations revealed that Kabir was in direct contact with Karan, who allegedly coordinated drone-based heroin consignments from across the border and shared drop locations with local operatives for distribution across Punjab. Karan, who faces multiple NDPS Act cases, was reportedly operating from Dubai while maintaining links with Pakistan-based smugglers and recruiting youths, including juveniles, to transport and distribute narcotics. Kabir alias Kaku is also facing two criminal cases.
11-Jun-2026
As part of the third phase of the Punjab Government’s flagship anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh, the Punjab Police have launched a statewide crackdown on hawala networks allegedly involved in laundering drug proceeds and financing drug and arms smuggling. The operation aims to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting organised criminal syndicates operating in the border State. In Amritsar, police identified 32 suspected hawala operators through intelligence inputs and financial investigations. One accused has been arrested, while the others have been summoned for questioning and their financial transactions are under scrutiny. Since the launch of the campaign, the Amritsar Police have arrested 21 hawala operators and recovered INR 18 million in suspected drug-related funds.
11-Jun-2026
Two unidentified men on a motorcycle on June 11 fired multiple rounds at the 24 Hs Fitness gym linked to Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa in Paschim Vihar area in New Delhi. Investigators said at least seven shots were fired during the attack. No injuries were reported. Soon after the firing, a social media message allegedly issued by the Anil Pandit faction of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang surfaced online, claiming responsibility for the attack. The message reportedly cited Guru Randhawa's growing proximity to Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the reason behind the firing.
11-Jun-2026
On June 11, gangster Shakeel Ansari, a Punjab resident and close associate of the Rohit Godara gang, was injured in an encounter with the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and the Sadar Police in Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan. According to police, Ansari opened fire on the police team while attempting to flee, prompting retaliatory action in self-defence that left him injured in the leg.
10-Jun-2026
Gangster Vainket Garg was extradited from Georgia and brought to the Special Task Force (STF) headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana on June 10. According to STF Inspector General B. Satheesh Balan, Garg heads a criminal network of around 53 members involved in murder, targeted killings, attempted murder, extortion, organised crime, and the illegal use of firearms across Ambala, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, and Chandigarh. Investigations revealed that Garg fled India on December 10, 2024, via Indira Gandhi International Airport, travelling first to the United Arab Emirates before relocating to Georgia on January 26, 2025.
10-Jun-2026
Multiple bomb threat emails, some referencing ‘Khalistan’ and ‘Operation Blue Star’, were sent on June 10 to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, the Chief Minister’s Office, and the mayoral offices in Mumbai and Pune, in Maharashtra. The threats prompted evacuations and security searches at several locations; however, officials stated that no suspicious objects were found during subsequent investigations.
10-Jun-2026
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav announced on June 10 the third phase of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, launching a three-day statewide drive against illegal hawala operators involved in laundering drug proceeds and supporting narcotics networks. He stated that Punjab Police is pursuing a financial disruption strategy focused on identifying, tracing, freezing, and confiscating assets linked to drug trafficking. Since the campaign began, police have targeted the financial infrastructure of organised drug networks through legal action against traffickers, hawala operators, drug proceeds, and illegally acquired assets, with the latest phase aimed at further weakening the economic foundations of drug syndicates in the State.
10-Jun-2026
On June 10, the 141st day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 557 raids, arrested 303 persons and recovered two weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 123 individuals, while 12 persons were verified and released after questioning. Seven proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
10-Jun-2026
On June 10, Punjab Police, on day 466 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 90 drug smugglers, and seized 5.2 kg of heroin, 35 kg of poppy husk, 360 intoxicant tablets and INR 2,600 in drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
09-Jun-2026
On June 9, Punjab Police, on day 465 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 100 drug smugglers, and seized 1.8 kg of heroin, 50 kg of poppy husk, 606 intoxicant pills, and INR 1,900 in drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
09-Jun-2026
On June 9, the 140th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 554 raids, arrested 275 persons and recovered five weapons from their possession. Four proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
09-Jun-2026
Punjab Police, in coordination with central agencies, on June 9 arrested two men, identified as Davinder Singh and Rajwinder Singh, and recovered two hand grenades from their possession in Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in direct contact with foreign-based handlers and were allegedly acting on their instructions. Police said the recovery of the grenades points to a larger conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace and public order in the border state.
09-Jun-2026
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 9 conducted coordinated searches at 18 locations across nine districts in Punjab and Haryana in connection with three terror-gangster network cases linked to Pakistan-based operative Shahzad Bhatti. NIA teams examined several individuals and seized digital devices, documents, and information related to communication networks, financial transactions, and the activities of persons under investigation. The searches were aimed at identifying Bhatti's associates and other individuals allegedly linked to the broader terror conspiracy being investigated in the three cases.
09-Jun-2026
Ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA from Dakha in Ludhiana district, Manpreet Singh Ayali, joined Waris Punjab De, led by jailed Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh, on June 8. Ayali ruled out any alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and stated that the organisation would continue to pursue the demand for Khalistan through democratic means.
08-Jun-2026
According to police records, Punjab’s border districts are witnessing a worrying rise in the involvement of juveniles in cross-border drug and arms smuggling. Over the past 14 months, 54 juveniles have been arrested — 32 in drug-related cases and 22 under the Arms Act — prompting security agencies to raise concerns. The warning came days after Amritsar Police arrested two minors and recovered five Pakistan-origin weapons and heroin from their possession. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar described the trend as “very alarming,” noting that juveniles had been involved at some stage in many of the cross-border drug and arms trafficking networks dismantled over the past year. He cited a recent case involving six arrests, including an Afghan national, where the investigation began with the apprehension of two juveniles carrying sophisticated pistols. A senior official of the Border Security Force (BSF) said Pakistani traffickers were increasingly directing their Indian associates to recruit teenagers, as they often lack criminal records and attract less scrutiny from security agencies. The official also noted that juveniles are subject to different legal provisions under India’s juvenile justice framework, making them attractive recruits for smuggling networks.