KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
19-Nov-2025
According to reports, Punjab Police played a key role in tracing gangster Anmol Bishnoi, who is set to be deported from the United States to India on November 19. In June 2022, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) discovered that Anmol had fled India in April 2022 on a forged passport along with wanted gangster Sachin Thapan. Their route reportedly included Kenya and other countries before reaching the US. Anmol is being deported to Mumbai, Maharashtra, which sought his return in connection with the Baba Siddique murder case. Punjab Police had also requested his deportation. Officials stated that they will take all necessary steps to seek his remand from Mumbai at the earliest.
18-Nov-2025
Police on November 18 reportedly arrested two shooters involved in the killing of Naveen Arora, son of RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora, who was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants while returning home from his shop in Ferozepur on November 15. Sources said a few others are also being interrogated. The two detained individuals are believed to be contract killers, though the motive remains unclear. Earlier, a letter attributed to the pro-Khalistan outfit ‘Sher-e-Punjab Brigade’ claiming responsibility for the killing had gone viral on social media.
18-Nov-2025
On November 18, Ludhiana Police conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) across several villages and localities, arresting seven individuals and seizing 2.5 kg of poppy husk and 250 intoxicating tablets in Ludhiana district.
18-Nov-2025
On November 18, Punjab Police, on day 262 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 67 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 79 drug smugglers and seized 4.3 kg of heroin, 971 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 3.16 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
18-Nov-2025
A transport company employee, identified as Makhan Singh, was shot dead at the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Amritsar district on November 18. He was hit by four bullets and died on the spot. Police recovered six empty shells and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the assailant. While the incident was initially believed to be linked to a dispute over bus timings, the Bambiha gang later through a social media post claimed responsibility, calling it an act of revenge for the deaths of their associates.
18-Nov-2025
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on November 18 accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of having abdicated its authority, saying criminals and gangsters were killing people with impunity. ‘While the AAP government is counting its days, we are counting our dead,’ he said, referring to the rising number of daily killings in Punjab.
18-Nov-2025
A 40-year-old man, identified as Varinder Singh, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants in Chheharta in Amritsar district, on November 18. He had just dropped his children at school and was returning home when the attackers fired multiple rounds. Officials said Varinder had earlier filed a police complaint stating he was receiving death threats.
18-Nov-2025
Punjab Police on November 18 arrested two of the five men involved in plotting and executing the killing of Naveen Arora, son of an RSS leader, identified as Kanav and Harsh, in Ferozepur district. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ferozepur, Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said the motive is yet to be established. He stated that the conspiracy was hatched on November 13 during Kanav’s birthday party at Basti Bhatian Wali in Ferozepur district, where Jatin Kali of Badhi Jaimal Singh village offered INR 1 lakh to Kanav, Badal, Harsh, and another suspect whose identity has been withheld to protect the investigation. Sidhu added that all angles, including a dubious claim by a terror outfit, are being examined to determine what triggered the killing.
17-Nov-2025
Unidentified assailants opened fire on a man, identified as Jashanpreet, an employee at a medical store, in Amritsar district on November 17. The injured victim was admitted to a private hospital in Amritsar.
17-Nov-2025
Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Frontier, Inspector General Atul Fulzele stated in Amritsar on November 17 that the BSF has neutralized 255 Pakistan-origin drones this year used for smuggling heroin and weapons. He added that surveillance has been intensified ahead of the fog season, as smugglers often exploit low visibility to deploy drones for cross-border drops.
17-Nov-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has formally written to the filmmakers of the upcoming animated film Hind Di Chadar, based on the life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, not to release it on November 21, stating that its depiction violates Sikh principles and could hurt religious sentiments. SGPC secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan said the film contains ‘several shortcomings’ in its portrayal of Sikh history and principles. He added that the directive follows instructions from Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargarj, Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht.
17-Nov-2025
On November 17, Punjab Police, on day 261 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 57 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 68 drug smugglers and seized 2.2 kg of heroin, 500 grams of opium, 11 kg of poppy husk, 2168 intoxicant pills and INR 1.88 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
17-Nov-2025
Bilga police on November 17 arrested a woman, identified as Navjot Kaur alias Rekha, and seized 20 grams of heroin from her possession in Jalandhar district.
17-Nov-2025
Nakodar police on November 17 arrested a man, identified as Paramjit, and seized 500 grams of poppy husk from him in Jalandhar district.
17-Nov-2025
Lohian Khas police on November 17 arrested a man, identified as Chiman Singh, and recovered 25 intoxicating tablets from him in Jalandhar district.
17-Nov-2025
Gurdaspur Member of Parliament (MP) and Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa stated on November 17 that he received a death threat on his phone from a United States (US)–based number, with the sender claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The message also named Balkaur Singh (father of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala), singer Mankirat Aulakh, human rights activist Gurmeet Bablu, and liquor businessman Aman Jaintipur, who has previously been attacked. Written in Punjabi, the message warned those listed to ‘prepare for a re-birth’ and added that they could increase their security ‘as much as they want.’ It further stated: ‘You can run or hide wherever you want, but you will be punished in a way that generations will remember.’
16-Nov-2025
A newly formed pro-Khalistan group, the Sher-e-Punjab Brigade, claimed responsibility on November 16 for the murder of Naveen Arora, son of RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora, who was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants while returning home from his shop in Ferozepur on November 15. In a letter signed by Paramjit Singh and issued by spokesperson Bahadur Singh Sandhu, the group accused the RSS of attempting to ‘assimilate Sikhs into Hinduism in Punjab’ and claimed it was formed for the ‘cause of Khalistan’s freedom.’ The letter warned that members of the RSS, Shiv Sena, and police and military personnel would be targeted in the future. However, Punjab Police officials said the authenticity of the letter remained unverified, noting that it could be fake or intended to mislead the investigation.
16-Nov-2025
Police on November 16 arrested a man, identified as Ajay Dubey and seized six grams of heroin from him in Satnampura, Phagwara, in Kapurthala district.
16-Nov-2025
Batala Police on November 16 arrested a wanted murder suspect, identified as Manik Kumar after an exchange of fire on the Batala–Amritsar Road in Gurdaspur district. Manik allegedly opened fire on the police, who retaliated and injured him. He is a key suspect in the November 2 murder of Jasdeep Singh alias Deep Cheema, carried out by a five-member group. Police said the killing was rooted in gang rivalry; Cheema was aligned with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria group, which has longstanding enmity with gangster Donny Bal. Two other accused, Harvinder ‘Harry’ and Savinder Singh, have already been arrested.
16-Nov-2025
On November 16, a letter purportedly issued by the “Sher-e-Punjab” brigade, a pro-Khalistan outfit claiming responsibility for the killing of Naveen Arora — who was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants in Ferozepur district on November 15 — went viral on social media. The letter, signed by a self-proclaimed commander, Paramjit Singh, alleged that the Arora family had “celebrated” after the 1984 Operation Bluestar and “rejoiced” at the deaths of Sikhs, claiming the killing was an act of revenge.
16-Nov-2025
Police on November 16 stated that they had detained four persons and identified the assailants involved in the murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist Naveen Arora, who was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne attackers in Ferozepur district on November 15. Ferozepur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said nine teams have been constituted to trace and arrest the culprits. He added that the police had examined CCTV footage and identified the shooters, though the exact motive behind the killing is yet to be established.
16-Nov-2025
According to reports, Punjab is witnessing a new wave of fake claims by gangsters on social media, posing a growing challenge for the police administration. The latest incident involves gangsters falsely taking responsibility for a bombing at the Talwara police station in Hoshiarpur district—an explosion that never occurred. The hoax emerged after three gangsters, believed to be operating from outside Punjab, misinterpreted news of a deadly bomb blast at a police station in Nowgam, Jammu and Kashmir on November 14. Assuming the incident had occurred in Talwara, they issued a letter claiming responsibility and threatened to carry out more such attacks. They further warned that future assaults would involve AK-47 rifles and rocket launchers instead of pistols and that they would target individuals allegedly identified by Pakistan-based Khalistani terrorist Rinda.
16-Nov-2025
On November 16, Punjab Police, on day 260 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 46 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 72 drug smugglers and seized 3.1 kg of heroin, 1.5 kg of opium, 215 intoxicant pills and INR 1.5 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
16-Nov-2025
Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on November 16, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted a parcel originating from Ferozepur and destined for California, United States, and recovered four packets containing 735 grams of opium at Dhandari Kalan in Ludhiana district. The smugglers had attempted to conceal the contraband within household and food items.
16-Nov-2025
The Amritsar Commissionerate Police on November 16 dismantled a Pakistan-linked arms–narcotics smuggling network with the arrest of five persons, identified as Akash Masih, Prince, Karanbir Singh alias Karan, Sukhwinder Singh, and Gurbhej Singh alias Bheja, and recovered 1.01 kg of heroin, five .30 bore pistols and one 9 mm Glock pistol in Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused had been coordinating with their Pakistan-based handlers through social media applications to collect and deliver illegal weapons and narcotics within Punjab. All the arrested individuals belong to villages situated close to the International Border and were receiving consignments as per the directions of their handlers.
15-Nov-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu, in coordination with Punjab Police, on November 15 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Sruti Singh, and recovered 80 grams of heroin from Kohlian village in Bamial in Pathankot district.
15-Nov-2025
According to reports, following intensified investigations by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Gujarat ATS, the Punjab Police have now joined the probe into the November 10 Red Fort blast in New Delhi, focusing on a suspected drone-based terror supply chain linked to Dr Adil Ahmad Rather, who was based in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and was recently arrested. A local police official confirmed that Punjab Police teams visited Saharanpur during the week to trace the alleged drone network suspected of ferrying arms and explosives from Pakistan into India. Investigators are examining whether Pakistani drones delivered explosives and weapons that ultimately reached Dr Adil. On November 15, a team from the Punjab Police and a central security agency visited a private hospital on Ambala Road in Saharanpur, collecting documents and digital records related to Dr Adil. Officials are probing whether the doctor acted as a key receiver and distributor of drone-delivered consignments.
15-Nov-2025
Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief and former Member of Parliament (MP) Simranjit Singh Mann on November 15 called for all splinter Akali factions to unite, asserting that only collective strength can ensure political success in 2027. He also surprised many by stating that Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal would be acceptable to all groups if unity is achieved.
15-Nov-2025
On November 15, Punjab Police, on day 259 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 86 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 113 drug smugglers and seized 3.1 kg heroin, 1.5 kg of opium, 24 kg of poppy husk, 84,304 intoxicant pills and INR 45,570 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
15-Nov-2025
Police on November 15 arrested two accused involved in an inter-state drug network, identified as Sagar Babbar and Dharmanshu alias Love, and seized 205 grams of cocaine, 2 kilograms of charas, 20 grams of ICE, 22 grams of LSD tablets, and two .32-bore pistols along with five live rounds of ammunition in Phagwara, Kapurthala district.
15-Nov-2025
The main shooter of the Prabh Dasuwal gang, identified as Arshdeep Singh alias Vicky, was arrested along with a pistol and live cartridges following an encounter in the Bajakhana area of Faridkot district on November 15.
15-Nov-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 15 arrested a person and seized a pistol with a magazine, one live cartridge, a mobile phone, and 11.08 kg of heroin (including packing material) in Pakhoke Mehmara village in Gurdaspur district.
15-Nov-2025
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Ferozepur Range on November 15 arrested a drug smuggler, Bagicha Singh, and seized 8.250 kg of heroin in Ferozepur district. Police suspect the consignment was dropped by a drone from across the Pakistan border, and preliminary investigation indicates that Singh had been working closely with Pakistan-based handlers to facilitate the movement and distribution of drug consignments within Punjab.
15-Nov-2025
According to a report in Khalsa Vox on November 15, Pakistan continues to fuel discord between Hindus and Sikhs in India by leveraging Khalistani elements through its intelligence agencies to advance its strategic agenda. The report added that while Pakistan projects itself as “a friend and supporter” of Sikhs, it simultaneously funds and backs Khalistani separatists to undertake activities that undermine the global reputation of the Sikh community.
15-Nov-2025
The Punjab Government on November 15 suspended Amritsar (Rural) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh for allegedly failing to take decisive action against gangsters operating in the region. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while announcing the suspension, stated that the state would not tolerate “any lapse or laxity” in combating gangsterism.
15-Nov-2025
A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader’s son, identified as Naveen Arora, was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants near Baba Noor Shah Wali Dargah in Ferozepur district on November 15. Naveen, the son of Baldev Raj Arora, who has been associated with the RSS for several years, was returning home on foot from his shop in the main bazaar area when he was attacked.
14-Nov-2025
Police on November 14 arrested two members of the Prabh Dasuwal gang, Baljeet Singh alias Kaddu and Sunny, and seized a .30 bore pistol along with live cartridges from their possession in Panjgrain village in Faridkot district.
14-Nov-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 14 arrested a doctor, identified as Dr. Rayees Ahmad Bhat, in connection with the November 10 Delhi blast case, in Pathankot district. His arrest marks the first from Punjab in this case, and he has been taken to an undisclosed location by the agency. Dr. Bhat had previously worked at Faridabad-based Al-Falah University, which is currently under the scanner.
14-Nov-2025
On November 14, Punjab Police, on day 258 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 71 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 86 drug smugglers and seized 13.7 kg of heroin, 1 kg of opium, 3.5 kg of poppy husk, 211 intoxicant pills and INR 5.09 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
14-Nov-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 14 seized a DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone, suspected to have been used for cross-border smuggling, from agricultural fields near Kamal Wala village in Ferozepur district.
14-Nov-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 14 seized two pistols concealed in crop fields near Raja Rai village in Ferozepur district. Officials indicated that the weapons were likely dropped either by a drone or by smugglers exploiting dense vegetation along the border.
14-Nov-2025
Police on November 14 arrested a drug smuggler, identified as Bagicha Singh, and recovered 8.25 kg of heroin near the India–Pakistan border in Ferozepur district.
14-Nov-2025
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on November 14 arrested a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Bila, from a guest house in Halol, Panchmahal district in Gujarat. Preliminary investigation revealed that the main accused, Manu Agwan and Maninder Billa, currently in Malaysia, had been recruiting operatives in Punjab on behalf of Pakistan’s ISI to carry out grenade attacks in densely populated areas of Punjab and other states. Investigators also uncovered plans for coordinated terror strikes across multiple states involving grenade blasts and firing using sophisticated weapons.
14-Nov-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier on November 14 announced that it has seized 251 Pakistani drones along the Punjab border in 2025 up to November 14. The BSF also intercepted multiple consignments of drugs and weapons smuggled into India using drones, recovering 329 kg of heroin, 16 kg of ICE, 191 weapons, 12 hand grenades, and over 10 kg of high explosives. During these operations, the BSF neutralized three Pakistani intruders and detained 240 Indian smugglers and 19 Pakistani nationals involved in cross-border crimes.
14-Nov-2025
Jailed radical leader and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) suffered a setback in the Tarn Taran bypoll, with its informal candidate Mandeep Singh Khalsa finishing third. Khalsa secured 19,620 votes, trailing far behind AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu, who won by a margin of more than double Khalsa’s tally. Khalsa, the brother of Sandeep Singh Sunny — an accused in the murder of Shiv Sena (Taksali) leader Sudhir Suri — was fielded in the bypoll following the party’s strong performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Khadoor Sahib, where Amritpal Singh had secured a decisive victory. Despite Tarn Taran falling within the same Khadoor Sahib region, the bypoll outcome reflects a significant decline in support for the Amritpal-led faction.
14-Nov-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) has already surpassed last year’s total heroin recovery along the International Border in Punjab, seizing 329 kg of the narcotic so far this year compared to 287 kg recovered in 2024. As of November 14, 2025, BSF troops have intercepted 251 drones and recovered 191 weapons, 12 hand grenades, over 10 kg of high explosives, 329 kg of heroin and 16 kg of ICE. During these operations, the force also neutralised three Pakistani intruders and apprehended 240 Indian nationals suspected of smuggling, along with 19 Pakistani nationals involved in cross-border crimes. In comparison, BSF had intercepted 294 drones during the entire year in 2024, a sharp rise from 107 such recoveries in 2023 and just 21 in 2022, according to official figures.
14-Nov-2025
The Supreme Court (SC) on November 14 deferred for two weeks the hearing on a plea filed by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is serving a life sentence for the 1995 assassination of former Chief Minister Beant Singh. Hawara has sought his transfer from Delhi’s Tihar Jail to a prison in Punjab.
13-Nov-2025
The Qaumi Insaaf Morcha, backed by farmer organizations including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political), the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, on November 13 launched a major mobilization at the Shambhu border in Patiala district as part of its long-standing campaign to secure the release of Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain incarcerated.
13-Nov-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on November 13 seized one packet of heroin weighing 1.664 kilograms in the Amritsar sector of Amritsar district.
13-Nov-2025
The State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, in a joint operation with Counter Intelligence, Pathankot, on November 13 busted a gangster module and arrested three operatives linked to Armenia-based wanted gangster Raja Haruwal, identified as Yusuf Masih alias MP, Samuel Masih alias Ankit alias Anki, and Sahibjeet Singh alias Sabhi and seized two .30-bore star-mark pistols, two magazines, and 15 live cartridges from their possession in Amritsar district. Preliminary investigation suggests that the trio was acting on the directions of Raja Haruwal, who had arranged the delivery of the seized weapons. The module was reportedly involved in the exchange of weapons and money and was conducting reconnaissance of potential extortion targets.