KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
15-Mar-2025
Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on March 15 arrested three operatives of Pakistan-based banned Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) identified as Jagjit Singh, alias Jaggi, Shubham Khelbude and Gurdeep Singh, alias Deepa, and seized a pump-action gun with 15 cartridges and a pistol with eight cartridges from their possession, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The arrests follow the earlier detention of three others linked to the February 10 Nanded murder case, bringing the total number of arrests to six. The Police revealed that the suspects were involved in providing logistics, extortion, and shelter to operatives on the directions of BKI terrorist Harvinder Singh alias Rinda
14-Mar-2025
The Bathinda police on March 14 arrested six gangsters following a brief encounter, identified as Gurdeep Singh, Sunil Singh, Satwant Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Hargurn Singh and Arshdeep Singh, and seized a stolen AK-47 rifle and 24 rounds of ammunition from their possession, in Bathinda in Bathinda district. Two of the accused, Gurdeep and Sunil were army jawans posted in Jammu and Srinagar, allegedly stole the rifle before using it in a hotel robbery on March 11. The police tracked the suspects using CCTV footage, leading to the encounter in which one accused sustained a bullet injury. Authorities are coordinating with the army for further investigation.
14-Mar-2025
Police on March 14 arrested three accused, in the case of the murder of Shiv Sena leader Mangat Ram alias Manga, identified as Deeepu, Arun alias Singha and Rajveer alias Laddo, and seized a 32-bore pistol and a 30-bore pistol from their possession, in Malout in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in Punjab. The trio were arrested after an encounter after they opened fire on the police.
14-Mar-2025
Kunnamangalam police on March 14 arrested two Tanzanian nationals, Kilekamajenga David Nteme and Myonga Atka Haruna, involved in a series of inter-state synthetic drug trafficking cases, in Phagwara, Kapurthala district, Punjab. The accused, both students at Lovely Professional University, were linked to the seizure of 227 grams of MDMA in Kerala on January 2. Investigations revealed large financial transactions in their accounts, which led to their arrest from a house near their college. Police stated that efforts to target wholesale drug suppliers have disrupted trafficking networks.
14-Mar-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on March 14 recovered three packets of heroin weighing 1.7 kg from fields near Awan Vasau village in Ajnala in Amritsar district. An improvised copper wire loop was found attached to each packet indicating that they were smuggled via drones, from across the border.
14-Mar-2025
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Jaito on March 14 arrested a shooter of the Davinder Bambiha gang identified as Manpreet Singh alias Mani, and seized a .30-bore pistol, four live cartridges and a motorcycle from his possession, at a naka (checkpoint) near Ghugiana village in Faridkot district. The accused, wanted in multiple cases of murder and arms-related offences, opened fire at the police while attempting to flee but was injured in the retaliatory action before being arrested.
14-Mar-2025
On March 14, a man identified as Zulfan, armed with an iron rod, attacked and injured five people on the premises of the Golden Temple in Amritsar district. Among the injured were two sewadars, three devotees, and a victim from Bathinda who remains in critical condition. The police have arrested the attacker and his yet-to-be-identified accomplice, who allegedly conducted a recce before the assault.
13-Mar-2025
On March 13, Mangat Ram alias Manga, the Moga district president of the Shiv Sena, was shot dead in the Baghiana Basti area of Moga district. Three bike-borne assailants opened fire on him, also injuring an 11-year-old child.
13-Mar-2025
Damdami Taksal head Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, in a statement in Amritsar on March 13, criticized the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for exceeding its mandate by removing the jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Kesgarh Sahib. He accused the SGPC of undermining Sikh traditions at the behest of its political bosses. His remarks came ahead of a Panthic congregation at Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, organized by the Sikh seminary during the Hola Mohalla celebrations, to discuss the issue.
13-Mar-2025
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, while addressing the media in Chandigarh on March 13, stated that the ongoing ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign has yielded significant results, with the arrest of 1,759 drug traffickers and the seizure of over 81 kg of heroin, 51 kg of opium, 7.5 lakh intoxicating tablets, and 970 kg of poppy husk, along with other synthetic drugs, in 13 days across Punjab. Additionally, the properties of 29 individuals associated with drug trafficking have been demolished.
13-Mar-2025
Police on March 13, in a raid, arrested five unidentified drug peddlers and seized 3 grams of heroin, 325 intoxicating pills and INR 1.35 lakh in drug money along with three scooters, four motorcycles and a Maruti car from their possession, in Baazigar Basti in Dhuri in Sangrur district. The raids, were part of the ongoing 'War Against Drugs' campaign. The Police warned drug peddlers to either quit the trade or leave the state, assuring support for those willing to reform.
13-Mar-2025
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on March 13 arrested a smuggler, identified as Kuldeep Singh and seized five packets of heroin weighing 2.6 kg from his possession, near Lakha Singh Wala village in Ferozepur district. The operation was launched based on a tip-off, and the recovered packets, wrapped in yellow adhesive tape with nylon threads and illumination strips, indicated that the consignment was dropped using a drone from across the border.
13-Mar-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on March 13 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 549 grams, from fields near Wan village in Patti in Tarn Taran district.
12-Mar-2025
The head of Damdami Taksal, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa ‘Dhuma,’ via a video message, strongly opposed the removal of Takht Jathedars by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), calling it a violation of Sikh traditions, and called for a Panthic gathering on March 14 at Anandpur Sahib to protest against what he termed disrespect towards Sikh principles. Without naming anyone, he accused SGPC and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders of making self-serving decisions. Once aligned with SAD-SGPC, the Taksal's political stance shifted after the SAD-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance ended, with Baba Harnam Singh later extending support to the BJP in the Maharashtra elections.
12-Mar-2025
Punjab Police on March 12 conducted raids at 543 locations, arresting 118 drug smugglers and registering 71 First Information Reports (FIRs), arrested 118 drug smugglers and seized 994 grams of heroin, 4,633 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections, and INR 1.47 lakh in drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers, across Punjab. The Police stated that they will continue such operations as part of a three-pronged strategy—Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP)—to eradicate drugs from Punjab.
12-Mar-2025
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in a joint operation with the Moga police on March 12 arrested an operative of foreign-based gangster Gaurav alias Lucky Patyal, and Davinderpal Singh alias Gopi Lahoria of the Davinder Bambiha gang, identified as Malkit Singh alias Manu and seized one .32 calibre pistol along with four cartridges from his possession, in Moga in Moga district. Manu, who has a criminal background with at least seven cases related to murder and attempt to murder, was injured in an exchange of fire with the police before being arrested.
12-Mar-2025
According to data shared by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) in Parliament on March 12, Punjab registered 9,025 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2024, marking a decline from 11,564 in 2023 and 12,423 in 2022. Despite this decrease, Punjab recorded the second-highest number of NDPS cases in the country last year, following Kerala. Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) has seized approximately 35 kg of narcotics and neutralized over 45 drones originating from Pakistan in 2025 so far. The central government has intensified anti-drug measures, including the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in every state and a specialized unit targeting darknet and cryptocurrency-related drug trafficking.
12-Mar-2025
The Centre recently informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh has been granted a 54-day leave of absence from the Lok Sabha, preventing his disqualification due to prolonged absence. The approval was sanctioned by a parliamentary committee, ensuring he retains his parliamentary seat despite his incarceration.
12-Mar-2025
Punjab Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Aman Arora on March 12 stated that as part of the ongoing campaign against drugs, the Punjab government had registered 1,163 First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since March 1, leading to the arrest of 1,615 alleged drug peddlers and the seizure of 1,115 kilograms of narcotics, seven lakh pills and capsules, and approximately INR 60 lakh in drug money across Punjab, while addressing the media in Chandigarh.
11-Mar-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on March 11, recovered a 523-gram packet of heroin from fields near Wan village in Patti in Tarn Taran district.
11-Mar-2025
Police on March 11 arrested two individuals, Neeraj Kumar alias Bobby and his wife Komal Ghahi, and seized 6 grams of heroin from their possession in Sherpur Bet village in Ludhiana district. The raid turned violent when Neeraj attacked Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sukhwinder Singh, biting his arm and striking him with a metal spring. Neeraj’s father, Kulwant Kumar, attempted to obstruct the police and locked them inside the house before fleeing. While Neeraj and Komal were arrested, a manhunt has been launched to apprehend Kulwant.
11-Mar-2025
Punjab Police on March 11 raided 580 locations across the state, arresting 110 drug smugglers and seizing 2.8 kg of heroin, 500 grams of opium, 10,904 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections, and INR 2.88 lakh in drug money. A total of 68 First Information Reports (FIRs) were also registered.
11-Mar-2025
Punjab Police on March 11 demolished a building owned by drug smuggler Budh Singh Budha in Udham Singh Wala in Sangrur district.
11-Mar-2025
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on March 11 stated that the conviction rate in drug cases had risen to 86% in the past three years, underscoring the government’s commitment to eradicating drugs while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh. He revealed that under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, police have registered 1,072 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 1,485 drug peddlers in 11 days, seizing 76 kg of heroin, 50 kg of opium, INR 50 lakh in cash, around seven lakh drug tablets, 4.5 kg of drug powder, and 950 kg of poppy husk, along with other synthetic drugs, from smugglers across Punjab.
11-Mar-2025
Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, while speaking in Agwan village in Gurdaspur district on March 11, advocated for the release of jailed radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, along with other Sikh prisoners, including Jagtar Singh Hawara and Balwant Singh Rajoana. He also criticized the government for imprisoning Sikh youth instead of addressing the long-pending demand for their release.
11-Mar-2025
Giani Raghbir Singh, who was recently sacked as Akal Takht Jathedar by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), criticized the ‘hasty’ installation of Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib and Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht in Amritsar on March 11, calling it a violation of maryada. He pointed out the absence of traditional ceremonies, including the formal announcement and ceremonial turban presentation.
11-Mar-2025
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, on March 11 sentenced six terrorists linked to the proscribed Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF)—identified as Akashdeep Singh, Balwant Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Balbir Singh, Maan Singh, and Gurudev Singh—to life imprisonment for smuggling explosives and arms via drones in Punjab for a planned terror attack in 2019. Three other convicts, identified as Shubhdeep Singh, Sajanpreet Singh, and Romandeep Singh, were sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for their roles in the same case. The NIA investigation revealed that they coordinated with Germany-based Gurmeet Singh alias Bagga and Pakistan-based Ranjeet Singh alias Neeta to transport weapons into Tarn Taran district, Punjab.
11-Mar-2025
Damdami Taksal leader Harnam Singh Dhuma on March 11 intensified his criticism of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and announced a major Panthic gathering at Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district during Hola Mohalla on March 14 to oppose the SGPC’s recent decision to replace the jathedars.
10-Mar-2025
Police on March 10 arrested Tejinder Singh, a drug peddler associated with the Bambiha gang, after a brief encounter, seizing a cache of narcotic tablets and an unlicensed firearm from his possession, in Rajpura in Patiala district.
10-Mar-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) removal of two Takht jathedars has triggered outrage within the Sikh community. On March 7, the SGPC dismissed Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar Giani Sultan Singh, citing inefficiency in addressing Sikh concerns. Many view this move as a ‘black day’ in contemporary Sikh history, further eroding the SGPC’s credibility. Growing calls demand separating the Akal Takht from the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to restore its independent authority.
10-Mar-2025
The Delhi High Court on March 10 admitted an appeal by the Delhi Police challenging a 2022 trial court order acquitting an individual in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The case pertains to the murder of Sher Singh in Mangolpuri, where Babu Lal and Shiv Shankar were accused. While the lower court acquitted Babu Lal due to a lack of witness identification, the High Court found grounds for an appeal. The move follows Supreme Court scrutiny over delays in riot-related cases, urging expedited appeals against past acquittals.
10-Mar-2025
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) installed Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as the Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib at 2:45 am on March 10, seven hours ahead of schedule, amid threats from Nihang outfits and a boycott by Sikh organisations in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, Punjab. Later that afternoon, he assumed additional charge as acting Jathedar of Akal Takht in Amritsar without any ceremony—a historic first. The installation sparked controversy over alleged violations of Sikh Maryada, with critics questioning the absence of key rituals and opposition from several Sikh groups.
10-Mar-2025
Pro-Khalistani slogans were found on a wall in Jhumba village, Bathinda district, on March 10, a day before President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit. The banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) claimed responsibility, with its leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun releasing a video calling the President an 'Indian terrorist' and urging university protests. Bathinda police have registered a case and assured swift action. Murmu is set to attend convocation ceremonies in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh from March 10 to 12.
10-Mar-2025
Punjab Police arrested international drug trafficker Shehnaz Singh alias Shawn in Ludhiana, Ludhiana district on March 10. Wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shawn was allegedly smuggling cocaine from Colombia to the United States (US) and Canada under the guise of a trucking business. He was linked to a massive drug bust in the US on February 26, 2025, involving 391 kg of methamphetamine and 109 kg of cocaine.
10-Mar-2025
Amritsar Police dismantled a drug cartel on March 10, arresting four smugglers—Tarsem Singh alias Sema, Amrit Singh alias Abhi, Ramanjit Singh alias Raman, and a juvenile— and seizing 4.01 kg of heroin, INR 20,000 in drug money, and three motorcycles, in Chheharta, Amritsar district. he accused were linked to Pakistan-based smugglers using the Ferozepur sector for cross-border drug trafficking. The juvenile played a key role, using boats to retrieve drug consignments near the International Border (IB).
10-Mar-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Aman Arora, while addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on March 10, claimed significant progress in the state government’s 10-day-old anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh. He stated that Punjab Police had registered 988 First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arrested 1,360 drug traffickers, and seized 1,035 kg of heroin, opium, and synthetic drugs, along with 6.81 lakh drug pills and INR 36 lakh in drug money across the state. Arora highlighted the demolition of 24 drug traffickers’ properties and warned smugglers to either quit or leave Punjab. A Cabinet Committee has been formed to oversee the campaign, with efforts also focused on rehabilitation.
10-Mar-2025
Police arrested a woman, identified as Paramjit Kaur, and seized 80 grams of heroin from her possession in Abohar, Fazilka district, on March 10.
10-Mar-2025
Police on March 10 arrested two individuals, identified as Rohit Kumar Rinki and Sonu and seized 40 grams of heroin from their possession, in Abohar in Fazilka district.
10-Mar-2025
Police on March 10 arrested an individual, identified as Prahlad Kumar and seized 4 grams of heroin from his possession, in Jandwala Hanwanta village in Fazilka district.
09-Mar-2025
On March 9, Nihang organisations declared that they would not allow the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to hold the installation ceremony of Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as Takht Kesgarh Sahib Jathedar and acting Akal Takht Jathedar on March 10 in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district. Led by Shiromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal 96 Crori’s chief Baba Balbir Singh, several Nihang groups opposed the move, demanding the reinstatement of the sacked Jathedars. Other Sikh bodies and traditional sects also pledged to boycott the event. In response, Punjab Police heightened security around Takht Kesgarh Sahib to prevent clashes.
09-Mar-2025
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on March 9 stated that under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, 1,188 drug traffickers had been arrested, 875 FIRs registered, and 68 kg heroin, 873 kg poppy husk, 42 kg opium, 3.5 kg charas, 6,74,370 intoxicating tablets, and INR 35 lakh drug money seized since the campaign's launch on February 25. Cheema blamed previous SAD-BJP and Congress governments for Punjab’s drug crisis, highlighting AAP's 86% conviction rate. He also stressed awareness efforts, including student outreach and action against traffickers.
09-Mar-2025
Notorious criminal Phati alias Asad was killed in an encounter with Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police near Mathura on March 9. He was shot during a police raid after opening fire and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, while two accomplices escaped. A wanted leader of the interstate Chaimaar gang, Phati had an INR 1 lakh bounty and over three dozen cases against him across multiple states.
09-Mar-2025
Amritsar Central Jail authorities on March 9 arrested Jail Warder Jagdeep Singh and seized 260 grams of narcotic powder, 560 sedative pills, 100 grams of narcotic substances, INR 63,650 drug money, and 217 “bidis” from his room, in Amritsar in Amritsar district. Acting on a tip-off about drug smuggling, the raid also led to the seizure of 404 sedative pills from inmate Ishant Kumar, allegedly supplied by Jagdeep. Police are conducting a forensic analysis of Jagdeep’s mobile phone to trace financial links and accomplices, with more arrests expected.
09-Mar-2025
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement on March 9, strongly condemned the vandalization of a BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, calling it a despicable act. He urged local law enforcement to take strict action against the culprits and ensure adequate security for places of worship. The incident, which occurred on March 8 ahead of the so-called Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles, saw anti-Hindu messages like ‘Hindus go back’ graffitied, sparking concern within the local Hindu community.
09-Mar-2025
Various Sikh organizations, including Dal Khalsa and Sri Guru Kendri Singh Sabha, have strongly opposed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) decision to remove the jathedars of Akal Takht and Takht Kesgarh Sahib. Dal Khalsa called the move unacceptable to a large segment of Sikhs, blaming Sukhbir Singh Badal’s faction for the decision. Gurpreet Singh of Sri Guru Kendri Singh Sabha condemned the removals as politically motivated and urged the community to support the jathedars while holding SGPC representatives accountable.
09-Mar-2025
According to Border Security Force (BSF) sources, approximately 33 kg of narcotics have been seized, and 45 hostile drones have been neutralized along the International Border (IB) in Punjab in the first nine weeks of 2025. Additionally, 19 illegal weapons, including pistols and shotguns, have been recovered, and 15 suspected smugglers have been apprehended. In 2024, the BSF seized 283 kg of heroin and neutralized 294 drones, a sharp increase from 107 drones in 2023. Most drug consignments were dropped by Pakistan-origin drones, primarily China-made Mavic series drones used for smuggling.
08-Mar-2025
Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on March 8 stated that over the past eight days, the state government has arrested more than 1,000 drug peddlers and registered 700 cases under the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign. During a review meeting with Mohali district authorities in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar, he highlighted the seizure of over 50 kg of heroin, more than five quintals of poppy husk, over 30 kg of opium, and drug money exceeding INR 22 lakh. He urged socio-religious institutions, political parties, and NGOs to join the anti-drug fight, emphasizing rehabilitation efforts to reintegrate drug users into society.
08-Mar-2025
According to sources, the Punjab government plans to establish 15-member Narcotics Anonymous support groups in all villages to combat the rising drug menace. Each group will be led by a woman panchayat member and will include an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) worker as the member secretary. Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized a two-pronged strategy—cracking down on drug trade networks while curbing drug use through community involvement. Similar support groups will be set up in de-addiction centers, Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics, and mohallas, with reformed addicts encouraging others to quit drugs.
08-Mar-2025
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, a 40-year-old Sikh preacher with strong panthic credentials, has been appointed acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, in Amritsar. Born in Jabbowal village, Amritsar district, he holds an MA in History and a Diploma in Sikh Studies from Sikh Missionary College. A former religious preacher with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), he has delivered discourses on Sikh scriptures and actively advocated for panthic issues, including the release of Sikh political prisoners.
08-Mar-2025
According to sources, smugglers from across the border in Pakistan are bundling free samples of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) with heroin to lure Punjab’s youth into addiction. This new plant-based ICE, derived from Afghanistan’s ephedra plant, is cheaper and more potent. Despite the Taliban’s ban on opium cultivation, ephedra growth remains unchecked, fuelling the methamphetamine industry. In 2024, Punjab Police seized 22 kg of ICE—an 11-fold increase from 2023—with drones being used for smuggling. Reports suggest Pakistan-based drug lord Haji Salim is orchestrating large-scale ICE supply, while Afghanistan emerges as a major global methamphetamine producer.