KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
14-May-2026
Police on May 14 arrested a person, identified as Sarabjit Singh, and seized 25 intoxicating tablets from his possession in Nurmahal, Jalandhar district.
13-May-2026
Two separate encounters occurred at the same location on May 13 after a police team probing a crossfire incident came under fresh attack from associates of a gangster, in Tarn Taran district. In the first encounter, two alleged gangster aides, Akashdeep and Sunny, were injured in a gunfight with the Valtoha police. While officers were still at the scene, two more suspects, Sunny and Sukhwinder, allegedly sent by the gangster mastermind, attacked the police team and were later overpowered after sustaining bullet injuries.
13-May-2026
On May 13, the 113th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 552 raids, arrested 268 persons and recovered three weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 102 individuals, while 21 persons were verified and released after questioning. Six proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
13-May-2026
On May 13, Punjab Police, on day 438 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 92 drug smugglers, and seized 5.9 kg of heroin, 273 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 5315 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
13-May-2026
Amritsar district police on May 13 busted an illegal arms smuggling module and arrested five persons, including a juvenile, identified as Akashdeep Singh alias Akash, Harmandeep Singh, Manish Singh alias Manish and Kishan Singh and seized five pistols, including foreign-made weapons from Italy, the US, Croatia and Austria, along with 12 live cartridges, in Amritsar district.
13-May-2026
Three operatives linked to foreign-based fugitive gangster Happy Jatt — Jatin Singh, Sajandeep Singh and Mehakdeep Singh — were arrested near the Indo-Bhutan border in West Bengal while allegedly trying to flee to Bhutan, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said on May 13. The trio is wanted in the Batala double-murder case linked to the April 27 shooting at Bhoma village in Batala, where two persons were killed and another injured after unidentified bikers opened fire.
13-May-2026
A 22-year-old salon worker, identified as Kunal, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Tehsilpura area, Amritsar district on the night of May 13. Reports indicate that the attackers allegedly paraded his body on a scooter through Sharifpura in the early hours of May 14 and filmed the act to send videos and photographs to the alleged mastermind. Police suspect the killing was linked to a gang rivalry involving associates of gangster Sukha Ambarsaria. Raids are underway to arrest the main accused, identified as Vansh, while several suspects have been detained for questioning.
12-May-2026
The Khalra police and the Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation on May 12, seized 1.019 kg of heroin from a field in Wan Tara Singh village, Tarn Taran district.
12-May-2026
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) on May 12 busted a heroin trafficking network, arresting four accused, identified as Akashdeep Singh alias Akash, Robin Kumar, Santosh Rani, and her 15-year-old son and seizing 7.858 kg of heroin, in Ferozepur district.
12-May-2026
On May 12, the 112th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 484 raids, arrested 213 persons and recovered two weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 66 individuals, while 28 persons were verified and released after questioning. 11 proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
12-May-2026
On May 12, Punjab Police, on day 437 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 105 drug smugglers, and seized 847 grams of heroin, 2 kg of ganja, 46 kg of poppy husk, 392 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 1.28 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
11-May-2026
A shooter linked to gangster Deepak Nandal’s gang, identified as Gurusher Singh, was killed and another gang member, Jaspal, was injured in an encounter with the Gurugram Police in Gurugram, Haryana on May 11. The two had been arrested in Punjab on May 9 in connection with the May 2 firing outside the residence of singer Rahul Fazilpuria’s event organiser, Saurabh Yadav, in Kanhai village, Sector 45, Gurugram. According to Police, the accused opened fire outside Yadav’s house, during which his personal security officer, Haryana Police constable Kulbir, sustained a bullet injury.
11-May-2026
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang on May 11 claimed responsibility for the firing outside the residence of Gurpartap Kang, manager of singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, in Gonder village in Karnal district of Haryana. In a social media post, alleged gang associates Tyson Bishnoi, Aarzoo Bishnoi, and Hari Boxer claimed the attack was carried out using “Austria-made” weapons and described it as a warning rather than an extortion attempt. They also levelled allegations against an individual associated with the singer, claiming that a woman from Punjab was harassed and later abandoned during a recent tour in Australia.
11-May-2026
Unidentified gunmen reportedly opened fire at the residence of Gurpartap Singh Kang, manager of Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, in his native village Gonder in Karnal district of Haryana on May 11. According to media reports, no casualties or property damage were immediately reported. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
11-May-2026
On May 11, the 111th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 484 raids, arrested 238 persons and recovered one weapon from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 68 individuals, while 25 persons were verified and released after questioning. Three proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
11-May-2026
On May 11, Punjab Police, on day 436 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 105 drug smugglers, and seized 2.3 kg of heroin, 80 kg of poppy husk, 476 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 1300 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
11-May-2026
Police on May 11 arrested two individuals, identified as Kulwant Singh and Boota Ram, and recovered 76 intoxicant tablets from their possession, in Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
11-May-2026
Police on May 11 arrested an individual identified as Harjit alias Maur, and seized 27 intoxicant tablets from his possession, in Nurmahal, Jalandhar district.
11-May-2026
Three men were arrested after they were allegedly found carrying fake Police identity cards near the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot district. According to officials, the accused used the forged IDs to evade police checks and avoid payments at toll plazas. All three were identified as residents of Hoshiarpur district. The incident occurred days after twin blasts near security installations in the State.
11-May-2026
The Punjab Government on May 11 filed its reply to the discharge application moved by Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh in connection with the Ajnala police station attack case in Amritsar district. Amritpal was produced before an Amritsar court through video conferencing from Dibrugarh Central Jail.
10-May-2026
On May 10, the 110th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 537 raids, arrested 248 persons and recovered six weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 94 individuals, while 28 persons were verified and released after questioning. 11 proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
10-May-2026
On May 10, Punjab Police, on day 435 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 67 drug smugglers, and seized 7.8 kg of heroin, 581 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 12,200 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
10-May-2026
Unidentified assailants on May 10 allegedly hurled a “bomb-like object” at the residence of village sarpanch Nishan Singh in Sudhar village, in the Ramdass area of Amritsar district, reportedly following extortion threats. Singh and his family escaped unhurt. According to Singh, he had earlier received a call from a person identifying himself as gangster Jeevan Fauji, demanding INR 50 lakh. He further alleged that another threatening call was made after the attack, warning of serious consequences if the demand was not met.
09-May-2026
The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on May 9 arrested Anil Kumar alias Monty, an alleged associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and recovered seven live cartridges from his residence, from Bansa Kushalpura village in Jaipur Rural, Rajasthan.
09-May-2026
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh on May 9 clarified that he has no interest in entering politics, dismissing speculation surrounding his growing public influence in Punjab. Responding to rumours that he could emerge as a future political figure in the State, Dosanjh stated that his focus remains on entertainment rather than political life.
09-May-2026
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 9 seized 5.175 kg of heroin from the Gharinda area in Amritsar district.
09-May-2026
The Punjab Police on May 9 recovered 440 grams of heroin from harvested wheat fields in Jathaul village of Amritsar district.
09-May-2026
According to a Punjab Police report on Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) activities, at least 457 Pakistan-linked spies or associates were identified and arrested across 17 states and Union Territories (UTs) after Operation Sindoor, as Pakistan allegedly intensified espionage efforts against India following the operation. The report stated that the ISI significantly increased the deployment of Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), tasking them with gathering sensitive information on troop movements, strategic installations and border deployments. Recruits were allegedly targeted through social media, honey-trapping and cash inducements, with payments routed through hawala networks and encrypted applications. Some suspects also allegedly attempted to install solar-powered CCTV cameras near military and police installations before being detected by security agencies.
09-May-2026
On May 9, the 109th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 536 raids, arrested 221 persons and recovered 17 weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 93 individuals, while 41 persons were verified and released after questioning. Six proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
09-May-2026
On May 9, Punjab Police, on day 434 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 97 drug smugglers, and seized 989 grams heroin, 500 grams of opium, 18 kg of poppy husk, 316 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 2300 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
08-May-2026
According to sources, security agencies in Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan have been put on alert following the IED blasts near the Army Cantonment area in Amritsar and outside the Border Security Force (BSF) Punjab Frontier headquarters in Jalandhar. The blasts, which occurred ahead of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, are suspected to be linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), prompting heightened vigilance in the district.
08-May-2026
On May 8, the 108th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 548 raids, arrested 261 persons and recovered five weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 126 individuals, while 34 persons were verified and released after questioning. 12 proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
08-May-2026
On May 8, Punjab Police, on day 433 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 72 drug smugglers, and seized 5.9 kg of heroin, 10 kg of poppy husk, 292 intoxicant tablets/capsules and INR 1000 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
08-May-2026
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA)on May 8 arrested a Nigerian woman, identified as Bella, along with her taxi driver Dilip Kumar and recovered 3.069 kg of heroin from their possession, at the Goindwal Sahib bypass in Tarn Taran district. The two, allegedly linked to an international smuggling network and residing in New Delhi, had reportedly arrived in the area to collect heroin smuggled from Pakistan. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Police established a checkpoint at the bypass and intercepted the accused.
08-May-2026
Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on May 8 said it had detained a man in Punjab, identified as Guruvinder Singh, for interrogation over allegations of circulating anti-national and separatist content on social media and recording videos of strategic border areas, in Tarn Taran district. Preliminary investigations reportedly found pro-Khalistan and pro-Pakistan posts, videos and comments on his social media accounts. Investigators also alleged that he was in contact with suspicious individuals linked to terror networks. During questioning and digital analysis, officials recovered audio clips, videos, chats and comments allegedly supporting pro-Khalistan and pro-Pakistan narratives. According to the ATS, Facebook Messenger chats and voice notes also indicated alleged communication with suspicious individuals and members linked to The Resistance Front. Investigators claimed the chats included discussions on procuring AK-47 rifles and grenades to carry out bomb blasts.
07-May-2026
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 7 recovered 538 grams of heroin, along with packing material and remnants of a drone kit, near the Border Outpost (BOP) at Dauke in Amritsar district.
07-May-2026
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 7 recovered 482 grams of heroin wrapped in a polythene packet from the Dauke border area in Amritsar district.
07-May-2026
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 7 recovered 561 grams of heroin, along with packing material and drone remnants, near the border fencing area in Amritsar district.
07-May-2026
Gharinda Police on May 7 arrested an alleged drug smuggler, identified as Rajbir Singh, and seized 545 grams of heroin along with packing material in Amritsar district.
07-May-2026
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Punjab unit on May 7 extended support to singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh after he confronted pro-Khalistan elements during his concert in Calgary. In a post on X, the party stated that the threats issued against Dosanjh by “anti-national elements” reflected their “frustration and desperation,” adding that the singer had brought global recognition to Punjab. The BJP’s support followed a video released by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), warning that the group would oppose Dosanjh’s upcoming shows in the United States (US).
07-May-2026
On May 7, the 107th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahar— the police conducted 585 raids, arrested 323 persons and recovered five weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 123 individuals, while 44 persons were verified and released after questioning. 12 proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.
07-May-2026
On May 7, Punjab Police, on day 432 of its “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, arrested 114 drug smugglers, and seized 2.9 kg of heroin, 75 kg of poppy husk, 271 narcotic tablets/capsules and INR 3625 drug money from the possession of arrested persons, across the state.
07-May-2026
Police on May 7 arrested a person, Harpreet Singh for allegedly selling heroin and seized 48 grams of heroin from his possession in Abupura village in Ludhiana district.
07-May-2026
Police on May 7 arrested an alleged drug peddler, Sarabjit Singh, and seized 15 intoxicating tablets from his possession in Mohalla Bagh Wala, Shahkot, in Jalandhar district.
07-May-2026
Police on May 7 arrested a man, identified as Vinod Sharma and recovered 120 grams of heroin from his possession during a special checking and patrolling operation in Phagwara in Kapurthala district.
07-May-2026
Several colleges in Amritsar and Baba Bakala in Amritsar district received bomb threats via email on May 7. The threats, later confirmed to be a hoax, warned of bomb explosions between May 7 and May 9 in multiple locations across Punjab, including Amritsar, Adampur, and Fatehgarh Sahib. The email, purportedly sent by the Khalistan National Army, also mentioned Bhagwant Mann and Ravneet Bittu while issuing threats against them. It further referred to Mann’s ‘Shukrana Yatra’ and cited the recent blast near the cantonment area in Khasa, Amritsar, for which the Khalistan Liberation Army had claimed responsibility.
07-May-2026
Aam Aadmi Party Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Singh on May 7 alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had launched a “Mission Punjab” through the recent twin blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar in an attempt to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the poll-bound state. He further claimed that there was a “direct relation” between the BJP and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), citing the Pathankot attack as an example. Singh alleged that the blasts were part of the BJP’s electoral strategy to create unrest in Punjab and accused the party of having a “history” of cooperating with the ISI.
07-May-2026
India on May 7 categorically rejected allegations of foreign interference made in a report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), describing the claims as “baseless” and contrary to India’s long-standing policy of respecting the sovereignty of other nations. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India’s position on the issue had remained “clear and consistent,” asserting that the country adheres to international norms and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other states.
06-May-2026
The Chandigarh Police on May 6 arrested a Class 12 student — a minor — while he was allegedly on his way to Patti in Tarn Taran district to carry out a murder at the behest of two gangsters operating from abroad, thereby foiling a suspected gang-linked killing plot. Investigations revealed that the minor was in active contact with Prabh Dasuwal and Gurvinder Singh, and had reportedly left home on May 5 to execute the attack. The case has highlighted a troubling pattern of online gang recruitment. The student, who had recently appeared for his Class 12 board examinations, was allegedly drawn into the gang network around two months earlier through Instagram, after which communication reportedly shifted to Telegram for operational instructions. According to investigators, the minor sought contact with gangsters after being assaulted by local youths and seeking revenge, following which he was allegedly groomed and recruited by the network.
06-May-2026
On May 6, the 106th day of Punjab Police’s statewide “war on gangsters” (Gangstran Te Vaar) campaign—Operation Prahaar— the police conducted 586 raids, arrested 308 persons and recovered seven weapons from their possession. Preventive action was taken against 57 individuals, while 21 persons were verified and released after questioning. 13 proclaimed offenders (POs) were also arrested during the operation.