KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
17-Aug-2025
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on August 17 in Chandigarh, stated that investigations into the Lawrence Bishnoi-led network have exposed an “inter-operational and interchangeable” nexus of organised criminals, foreign-based gangsters, terrorists, and drug smugglers operating under Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He emphasised that terror outfits, gangsters, and smugglers are now functioning interchangeably under ISI’s direction to foment unrest in Punjab.
17-Aug-2025
On August 17, Punjab Police, on day 169 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 42 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 57 drug smugglers and seized 461 grams of heroin, 415 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 31,550 from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, across Punjab. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 26,023.
17-Aug-2025
Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora on August 17 stated that 386 drug addicts have been admitted to de-addiction centres in the district over the past five months, including 72 from Subhanpur alone. The disclosure followed the circulation of a video showing Hamira village resident Manjit Singh struggling to walk under the influence of drugs. Toora added that while police are tackling supply chains, equal focus is being placed on rehabilitation, with 801 individuals enrolled in Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics.
17-Aug-2025
The banned Khalistani terror group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) emailed threats of “political death” to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann starting August 31, the anniversary of former CM Beant Singh’s assassination. Earlier, SFJ chief and designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had issued threats to kill both Mann and the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) on Republic Day.
17-Aug-2025
Ludhiana police on August 17 arrested a gangster, identified as Mukkal Mattu and seized 1.05 kg of heroin along with three pistols, 21 cartridges from his possession, near Sacred Heart Convent School in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district.
16-Aug-2025
According to sources, Pakistani underworld figure Shehzad Bhatti has claimed that the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala involved not only Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang but also politicians and government officials. Bhatti alleged that government insiders leaked Moosewala’s movements after his security was reduced, enabling the shooters. He further stated that his past friendship with Lawrence turned into rivalry over money disputes and escalated after Bishnoi’s gang threatened Pakistanis over Kashmir. Linked to global arms and land mafia networks, Bhatti has warned he will expose Lawrence’s secrets, including alleged plots against Indian politicians.
16-Aug-2025
Gangster Sukhwinder Singh, associated with the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, was shot dead during a gang war in the Khandwala area of Amritsar district on August 16. He was killed by Nikhil Chahal and his accomplice Vikramjit Singh, both linked to the Balwinder Singh alias Dony Bal gang. Police arrested the two assailants shortly after the incident.
16-Aug-2025
On August 16, Punjab Police, on day 168 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 28 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 38 drug smugglers and seized 620 grams of heroin and 1,612 intoxicating tablets and capsules from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, across Punjab. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 25,909.
15-Aug-2025
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, while addressing Independence Day celebrations in Faridkot on August 15, announced that police personnel performing well in the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign would be given cash rewards of INR 1.2 lakh for every kilogram of heroin seized from March 1, 2026. He asserted that Pakistan remains the main source of drugs entering Punjab, adding that houses built with drug money have been demolished and anti-drone systems deployed along the border.
15-Aug-2025
On August 15, pro-Khalistani graffiti was found on the house of Mehal Kalan Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kulwant Pandori and at a nearby bus stand in Mehal Kalan village, Barnala district. Police registered a case after CCTV footage showed two men painting the slogans.
15-Aug-2025
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann on August 15 led the state-level Independence Day celebrations, hoisting the national flag at Nehru Stadium in Faridkot. He announced a new reward policy to strengthen the anti-drug campaign, the recruitment of 1,600 police personnel, and the introduction of a drug-prevention curriculum in over 3,000 schools.
15-Aug-2025
On August 15, Punjab Information & Public Relations Minister Aman Arora inaugurated the ‘Tarang Helpline’ (9779175050) in Ludhiana to provide psychological support, counselling, and livelihood assistance to drug-affected individuals. He said the initiative aims to help people and families overcome addiction and rebuild their lives with dignity.
15-Aug-2025
Harpreet Singh, president of the reorganised Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) rebel faction, on August 15 in Amritsar, invoked the legacy of Partition, calling it a “religious injustice” that continues to haunt Sikhs. He criticised visa restrictions that hinder Sikh access to historic shrines and lamented that the 1947 division of Punjab and Bengal forced Sikhs to abandon sacred sites in Pakistan, including Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib.
15-Aug-2025
Police on August 15 arrested three persons for defacing the residence of Mehal Kalan Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kulwant Singh Pandori with Khalistan Referendum graffiti, identified as Gurmeet Singh alias Todi, Gursewak Singh alias Mani, and Kirpa Singh, and seized a motorcycle used in the crime, two empty spray cans, one full spray can, five mobile phones, and two robes typically worn by Nihang Singhs, in Mahal Khurd village in Barnala district. Initial investigations revealed that Surinder Singh, a United States (US)-based resident, had funded the act by sending INR 20,000 and radicalised the accused through social media.
14-Aug-2025
The Intelligence Wing of the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on August 14 arrested two individuals, identified as Harpreet Singh alias Battu, and Gulshan Singh alias Nandu, and seized two bombs, a pistol and some live cartridges from their possession, in Ferozepur district. Based on information provided by them, the Police recovered two more pistols and 10 live cartridges on August 16.
14-Aug-2025
Punjab Police on August 14 foiled a Pakistan-backed conspiracy by arresting two Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives and seizing two hand grenades, a Beretta 9mm pistol, and ammunition, in Ferozepur district. Police stated that the operatives were working under the directions of terrorist Harwinder Singh alias Rinda and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed handlers based in Pakistan, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and Europe.
14-Aug-2025
Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) on August 14 arrested two most-wanted operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Akshay Delu and Ankit Bishnoi alias Kakkar, and seized an Austrian-made 9 mm Glock pistol along with six live cartridges from their possession, near Shambhu village in Patiala district. The Police revealed that the duo, wanted in over 15 heinous crime cases across Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, were operating under the directions of foreign-based handlers Anmol Bishnoi and Arzoo Bishnoi, and that they had fled to Nepal after earlier crimes and returned to Punjab on their handlers’ instructions to execute a sensational attack.
14-Aug-2025
Punjab Police on August 14 revealed that drug smuggler Gurnam Singh had been placed under preventive detention for one year under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act in Bathinda district. Officials stated that Singh, involved in multiple drug trafficking cases, had earlier been arrested with 250 grams, 2 kg, and 400 grams of heroin in separate incidents.
14-Aug-2025
On August 14, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (Crime) and Supervising Officer for Kapurthala, L.K. Yadav, chaired a special meeting at Police Lines in Kapurthala district, where he directed officers from all 15 police stations and eight outposts to enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.
13-Aug-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police, on August 13, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 600 grams and a drone from fields near Wan village in Tarn Taran district. The seized drone was identified as a DJI Air 3S model.
13-Aug-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Baltej Pannu on August 13 revealed that since March 1, Punjab Police have registered 16,400 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 25,646 individuals in drug-related cases, seizing 1,059 kilograms of heroin, 366 kilograms of opium, 215 quintals of poppy husk, 32.35 lakh intoxicant pills and tablets, and INR 12.32 crore in drug money, across Punjab.
13-Aug-2025
According to reports, more than a month after the murder of Abohar businessman Sanjay Verma, the three main shooters—identified as Shakti, Rajinder alias Billa, and Jaskaran alias Katta—remain absconding, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang suspected of facilitating their escape to Nepal. Punjab Police have so far arrested seven individuals linked to the case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted on July 12, is probing possible extortion motives and alleged international links, including foreign remittances traced to suspects’ accounts.
13-Aug-2025
Punjab Police on August 13 busted a narcotics and arms smuggling network by arresting five individuals identified as Vinay Kumar, Major Singh, Kulwinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, and Gagandeep Singh, and seizing 1.50 kg of heroin and seven .32-bore pistols from their possession in Jalandhar district.
12-Aug-2025
On August 12, Punjab Police and intelligence agencies detained vlogger Amrik Singh from Turna village in Lohian, Jalandhar district, for over 24 hours in connection with his YouTube channel ‘Walk with Turna’ and his December 2024 visit to Pakistan. His wife, Manpreet Kaur, stated that their phones were seized for investigation and the family was initially unaware of his whereabouts. Singh was later released following intervention by local leaders.
12-Aug-2025
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on August 12 ruled that a Punjab Police inspector injured in the 2015 Dinanagar terror attack is entitled to promotion as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The court observed that the state government had consciously decided to promote all personnel injured in the cross-border assault by Pakistan-based terrorists disguised in army uniforms, a policy already implemented for others. The bench noted that the petitioner’s bravery and injuries had been recognised with the President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and the Parakram Padak, and held that denying him promotion while granting it to others was unjust.
12-Aug-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on August 12 recovered three small packets of heroin weighing 1.649 kg and a large packet containing two pistols from fields near Bhakra village in Ferozepur district.
12-Aug-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on August 12 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 609 grams from fields near Daoke village in Amritsar district.
12-Aug-2025
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, on August 12 in Chandigarh, said that over 5,000 drug-related cases were registered in a year through the ‘Safe Punjab’ WhatsApp chatbot, launched in August 2024 under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ anti-drug drive. The portal has become a key intelligence source, enabling major seizures and thousands of arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
12-Aug-2025
Punjab Police on August 12 busted a terror module of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), arresting two operatives, Ritik Naroliya and Sonu Kumar alias Kali, along with three juveniles, recovering a hand grenade, a .30 bore pistol with two live cartridges, and two empty shells, from Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. The module, run by foreign-based gangsters Mannu Agwan, Gopi Nawanshehria, and Zeeshan Akhtar under the directions of Pakistan-based BKI operative Harwinder Singh alias Rinda, was tasked with carrying out grenade attacks ahead of Independence Day.
11-Aug-2025
On August 11, Mumbai Police increased security for comedian Kapil Sharma following two shooting incidents within a month at his restaurant, Kap’s Café, in Surrey, Canada. Police said precautionary measures were in place to ensure Sharma’s safety. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the latest attack, citing Sharma’s alleged association with actor Salman Khan.
11-Aug-2025
Indian intelligence agencies, in a joint operation with Nepal Police, on August 11 arrested illegal arms supplier Salim Sheikh alias Salim Pistol and brought him to New Delhi. Sheikh had been detained on August 9 at the Indo-Nepal border. He is accused of supplying Zigana pistols to gangsters including Lawrence Bishnoi and Hashim Baba, and is allegedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company. Police stated that Sheikh is also connected to several high-profile murders, including that of Sidhu Moose Wala, and is currently in custody under interrogation for his role in multiple organised crime cases.
11-Aug-2025
Border Security Forces (BSF) troops on August 11 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 581 grams from fields near Wan village in Tarn Taran district.
11-Aug-2025
The Delhi High Court on August 11 overturned a 40-year-old acquittal of four men in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and ordered a retrial for the sole surviving accused, citing a “hasty” trial and serious lapses in the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) probe. The case pertains to the killing of Harbhajan Singh in Ghaziabad’s Raj Nagar, a day after Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi’s assassination, where the victim was set on fire along with his home. The court observed that investigative failures and trial court errors had led to a “miscarriage of justice,” depriving the victim’s family of their fundamental right to a fair trial, and directed the CBI to complete the probe expeditiously.
11-Aug-2025
Dr. Amarjit Singh, a prominent Khalistan movement leader, recently endorsed the forthcoming Pakistani book The War That Changed Everything, which alleges that India’s “Operation Sindoor” in Pahalgam was a false flag operation to justify war against Pakistan. Scheduled for release on August 11, the book claims the four-day conflict harmed India’s military and diplomatic standing while boosting Pakistan’s position. Singh also accused Indian agencies of orchestrating the 2000 Chitti Singh Pura massacre, allegations strongly rejected by Indian officials.
11-Aug-2025
According to sources, Khalistani separatist activities are regaining visibility in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada, raising concern in New Delhi. The UK Charity Commission recently allowed a Slough gurdwara to retain “Khalistan” plaques, while in Canada, a sign declaring the “Embassy of the Republic of Khalistan” appeared inside a Surrey gurdwara. India condemned both, warning such acts—often justified as free speech—are linked to organised crime and terrorism. The United States (US) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has also exposed Khalistani ties with drug cartels, transnational crime networks, and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
11-Aug-2025
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on August 11 chaired a security review meeting in Amritsar with senior officials, including Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and DIG Border Range Nanak Singh, ahead of Independence Day celebrations. He reviewed counter-terror measures and directed enhanced inter-district coordination, round-the-clock surveillance, and high-visibility checkpoints, particularly in light of recent pro-Khalistan graffiti incidents linked to the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).
11-Aug-2025
According to Delhi Police records, former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) officer Vikash Yadav—named by United States (US) authorities in an alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun—is linked to Jalaluddin alias Sameer, an accused in the Mahadev Online Book betting racket. Investigators allege Jalaluddin, operating from Dubai, hired Yadav to kidnap and threaten a businessman over unpaid dues, resulting in a INR 16 lakh hawala transfer. Yadav, Jalaluddin, and Yadav’s associate Abdullah Khan are currently out on bail, while police prepare a supplementary chargesheet in the case.
11-Aug-2025
On August 11, Punjab Police, on day 163 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, registered 74 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 104 drug smugglers and seized 6.4 kg of heroin, 500 grams of opium, and 1092 intoxicant tablets/capsules from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, across Punjab.
10-Aug-2025
On August 10, Punjab Police, on day 162 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign, registered 50 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 68 drug smugglers and seized 1.4 kg of heroin and 1594 intoxicant tablets/capsules from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, across Punjab.
10-Aug-2025
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Rajasthan Police on August 10 detained three individuals, identified as Jitendra Chaudhary, Sanjay Nayak and Sonu alias Kali along with three minors, for their role in a grenade attack in Punjab in July 2025, in Jaipur in Rajasthan. Police said the group, allegedly acting under the instructions of Canada-based Bishnoi gang handler Zeeshan Akhtar, was also conspiring to carry out blasts in Delhi and Gwalior ahead of Independence Day.
10-Aug-2025
On August 10, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, United States (US), was vandalised with anti-India graffiti by pro-Khalistan extremists. Greenwood Police have launched a criminal mischief investigation, while temple leaders plan to hold a peace prayer service on August 12, with city officials expected to attend. The attack comes just days ahead of the Krishna Janmashtami celebrations on August 16.
09-Aug-2025
On August 9, two masked assailants fired two rounds at the residence of NRI social media influencer Simran Sikand alias Sam, before fleeing on a motorcycle, in Model Town area in Hoshiarpur district. CCTV footage captured the incident, which Sikand attributed to threats from Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti.
09-Aug-2025
Punjab Police on August 9 reported that Jashanpreet Singh, arrested earlier with a minor for painting pro-Khalistan graffiti in Amritsar, opened fire on police during a weapon recovery operation in Amritsar district. A Glock 9mm pistol was recovered based on his disclosures, and he sustained a leg injury when police returned fire.
09-Aug-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on August 9 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 655 grams from fields near Nihalewala village in Ferozepur district.
08-Aug-2025
Amritsar Police on August 8 announced the arrest of two individuals, including a minor, for putting up pro-Khalistan graffiti at three city locations on the night of August 6–7, in Amritsar district. Police said the suspects acted under the instructions of foreign-based Shamsher Singh, linked to Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who had claimed responsibility for the graffiti via a video message. The accused allegedly received the designs via Snapchat and were promised about INR 5,000, but were never paid.
08-Aug-2025
On August 8, the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) rejected proposed amendments to the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Act, 2014, citing lack of consultation by the state government. The changes would transfer the power to remove members to the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission and route appeals directly to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. HSGMC president Jagdish Singh Jhinda said the committee would boycott the amendments and hold a Sikh Sammelan before August 22 to seek community feedback.
08-Aug-2025
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on August 8 raided 13 locations linked to gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Vishal Pachar, seizing illegal weapons, narcotics, electronics, documents, and cash across Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Dausa districts in Rajasthan. Some suspects were reportedly detained for questioning.
08-Aug-2025
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Punjab Police on August 8 carried out a high-risk raid on drug trafficker Sunny Singh’s hideout, and arrested one of his accomplices Devinder Singh alias Babbu, in Gorsian Khan Mohammad village in Ludhiana district. Sunny Singh and others managed to escape, and a police manhunt is underway.
08-Aug-2025
Punjab Police on August 8 conducted a massive state-wide security and anti-drug crackdown, carrying out coordinated checks at 151 railway stations and detaining 72 suspicious persons across Punjab.
08-Aug-2025
On August 8, Punjab Police, on day 160 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign registered 59 first information reports (FIRs), arrested 96 drug smugglers and seized 1.2 kilograms of heroin, 1.1 kilograms of opium, 12,627 intoxicant pills, and INR 2.3 lakh in drug-related cash from the possession of the smugglers across Punjab.