KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
01-Mar-2025
According to sources, police are investigating whether jailed Khalistani radical preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh had access to gangster Jaipal Bhullar’s hidden funds, allegedly stashed in a foreign country and Punjab. Amritpal, detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Dibrugarh Jail, Assam, was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on January 9 in connection with the murder of Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau. Gurpreet, former treasurer of Amritpal-led Waris Punjab De (WPD), was shot dead in Faridkot on October 9, 2024, after turning against him. Police suspect Jaipal’s money may have funded the murder, but officials remain tight-lipped about the probe.
01-Mar-2025
The counter-intelligence wing of Ferozepur Police on March 1 arrested a gangster, identified as Hardeep Singh alias Deepa and seized sophisticated weapons, including a Glock pistol, a Beretta .30mm pistol, a pump-action gun, 141 assorted cartridges of 9mm and .30 calibre, along with 45 grams of heroin and a Swift car, in Faridkot, Faridkot district. Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapons were sourced from Pakistan for use in terror and criminal activities.
01-Mar-2025
Amritsar Rural police on March 1 arrested two smugglers, identified as Jagtar Singh and Angrez Singh and seized 1 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) and INR 1.4 lakh drug money from their possession, near Attari village in Amritsar district.
01-Mar-2025
Frustrated by the delay in implementing Akal Takht's December 2, 2024, directives, a coalition of panthic (Sikh) groups, the Alliance of Sikh Organisations, urged Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on March 1 to summon former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other leaders. They also demanded a meeting of panthic representatives rather than just the five Sikh high priests. The groups submitted a memorandum calling for action against those allegedly violating the directives and raised concerns over the integrity of the committee overseeing SAD’s enrolment process.
28-Feb-2025
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on February 28 met Harjinder Singh Dhami at his residence in Hoshiarpur and urged him to withdraw his resignation as president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Dhami had resigned on February 17 on ‘moral grounds’ following controversy over the dismissal of Giani Harpreet Singh as Jathedar of Takht Damdama Sahib. The Jathedar praised Dhami’s leadership and reiterated that the SGPC needed an esteemed figure like him.
28-Feb-2025
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on February 28 launched the “War on Drugs” campaign, aiming to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab within three months. Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and a five-member Cabinet subcommittee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, unveiled the policy in Chandigarh, focusing on prevention, enforcement, de-addiction, and rehabilitation. Officials were directed to target major drug traffickers, seize and demolish smugglers’ properties, and regulate private de-addiction centres. The government also plans to introduce special courts for speedy trials in drug cases and restrict government benefits for convicted drug peddlers.
28-Feb-2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on February 28 dismissed allegations blaming the Punjab government for drug smuggling from Pakistan, stating that the Border Security Force (BSF) bears greater responsibility for preventing narcotics trafficking across the international border. Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, he highlighted a 600% increase in heroin seizures under the current administration. Arora warned drug smugglers to either cease operations or leave Punjab, asserting that the newly formed Cabinet subcommittee would strictly enforce anti-drug measures.
28-Feb-2025
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on February 28 issued a final warning to drug traffickers in Punjab, urging them to either abandon smuggling or leave the state, during a press conference in Chandigarh. He stated that the Aam Aadmi Party government had intensified its crackdown on drug networks, seizing INR 612 crore worth of smugglers' assets over the past three years. Cheema reaffirmed that no individual involved in the drug trade, regardless of their influence, would be spared.
28-Feb-2025
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently dismantled a narco-terror module linked to Canada-based Khalistani elements and arrested three individuals—Jashandeep Singh, Gurpreet Singh alias Malla, and Vishal Lala. Jashandeep, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), was apprehended at Delhi airport while attempting to flee to Thailand. The operation, which began in late January 2025 with Gurpreet’s arrest, led to the seizure of 1.386 kg of heroin. The module, active in the Ferozepur belt, was involved in drug peddling, arms smuggling, and targeted killings, with narcotics and weapons smuggled via drones by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed operatives.
27-Feb-2025
The Punjab Government on February 27 constituted a five-member Cabinet committee to combat the rising drug menace in the state. Chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the committee includes New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora, Health Minister Balbir Singh, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Industries Minister Taranpreet Sondh. Its primary mandate is to oversee the actions of the police and health departments in addressing drug addiction.
27-Feb-2025
Jodhan police on February 27 launched a crackdown against drug peddlers, arresting a smuggler identified as Tanvir Singh and seizing 11 grams of heroin and two mobile phones in Narangwal Kalan village in Ludhiana district. Acting on directives from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the police also booked Balwant Singh and Kulvir Kaur for their alleged involvement in the drug trade, partially demolishing their premises. The crackdown followed threats received by whistleblower sarpanch Manjinder Singh, who leads the village’s anti-drug committee.
27-Feb-2025
Police on February 27 arrested six individuals in connection with pro-Khalistan slogans and a flag put up on the walls of a government school in Satauj village, identified as Jagraj Singh alias Soni, Gurmeet Singh alias Gitti, Amritpal Singh, Baljinder Singh, Baljit Singh, and Attarveer Singh, all from Dharamgarh village in Sangrur district. The police stated that the individuals were involved in the act under the direction of Khalistani terrorist and the chief of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been nominated as the seventh suspect.
27-Feb-2025
Police on February 27 arrested two operatives of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), identified as Mohit and Vishal, for their involvement in attacks in Jaintipur and Raimal and seized a .30 bore pistol from their possession in Batala, Gurdaspur district. While being taken to recover concealed arms, Mohit opened fire on the police and was killed in retaliatory action. A manhunt is underway for two more suspects linked to the blast cases.
27-Feb-2025
Former Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Kewal Singh on February 27 criticized the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for allegedly violating Akal Takht’s directives on party enrolment, further deepening the Panthic crisis within the SAD. He asserted that the enrolment, conducted by the Badal faction instead of the mandated committee, should be deemed null and void. Sikh intellectuals and former Jathedars have called on the Akal Takht Jathedar to intervene and uphold the sanctity of its directives.
27-Feb-2025
Ludhiana’s top officials—Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ludhiana Rural Ankur Gupta—on February 27 pledged a comprehensive strategy to combat the drug menace in Ludhiana district. The plan focuses on stricter law enforcement, rehabilitation, skill development, and awareness campaigns. Officials emphasized community involvement, including ASHA and Anganwadi workers, to identify affected families. Measures include strengthening de-addiction centers, enhancing rural sports infrastructure, and promoting employment opportunities for reformed addicts. However, critics have raised concerns over inadequate funding for rehabilitation centers.
27-Feb-2025
On February 27, police demolished a two-storey house belonging to a woman drug peddler, identified as Rinki, at Rori Kut Mohalla in Lakkad Mandi, Patiala district. Over 50 police personnel supervised the action, citing that the house was built using proceeds from drug trafficking. Rinki, who has over 10 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act from 2016 to 2023, remains absconding, with raids ongoing to arrest her.
27-Feb-2025
Phagwara police on February 27 busted an illegal firearms racket and arrested three individuals, identified as Nishant Raj, Ashutosh, and J Mani Ratanam, and seized two 7.65mm pistols with 12 live cartridges, one .32 bore revolver with three live cartridges, and two empty cartridges in Phagwara, Kapurthala district. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking, with further investigations underway.
26-Feb-2025
According to sources, several Punjabis attempting to reach the United States (US) via the illegal ‘Donki’ route were recently deported on US military aircraft after spending Rs 40-50 lakh in hopes of securing asylum. A Trump-era executive order bars undocumented migrants from seeking asylum, leading to immediate deportations. Punjabis, including Sikhs and Hindus, form a significant portion of US asylum seekers, often citing religious or political persecution. Legal precedents from the 1980s continue to influence cases, particularly those linked to pro-Khalistan affiliations.
26-Feb-2025
The resurfacing of a 1999 resolution has intensified controversy over the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) questioning the authority of the Akal Takht Jathedar. The resolution, passed by the SGPC’s Dharam Parchar Committee, asserted that only the Sarbat Khalsa holds the power to suspend a Jathedar, not the SGPC. However, SGPC officials clarified that the resolution was rejected in 1999. The dispute escalated after SGPC leaders reaffirmed their authority to appoint and remove Takht Jathedars, drawing criticism from Sikh leaders and organizations like Chief Khalsa Diwan.
26-Feb-2025
The Border Security Force (BSF) on February 26 shot dead a Pakistani intruder along the International Border (IB) at Tashpatan Border Out Post (BOP) near Pathankot in Pathankot district. The intruder ignored multiple warnings and was neutralized by alert BSF troops. The identity and motive of the infiltrator are under investigation, and a strong protest will be lodged with the Pakistan Rangers.
26-Feb-2025
The Special Task Force (STF) on February 26 killed a wanted criminal and Lawrence Bishnoi gang member, Jeetu alias Jitendra, in an encounter in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Jeetu had a bounty of INR 1 lakh on his head and was involved in multiple crimes, including a double murder and contract killing. He was injured in the gunfight and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
26-Feb-2025
On February 26, Amritsar Rural Police launched a manhunt to arrest German Singh and Arsh Bagga, associates of foreign-based gangster Balwinder Singh alias Dony Bal, after their accomplice Rohit Singh was injured and arrested in a police encounter on February 25 in Mehta, Amritsar district, Punjab.
25-Feb-2025
Police on February 25 arrested Rohit Singh, an operative of gangster Balwinder Singh alias Dony Bal, while his accomplice, German Singh, managed to escape in the Mehta area of Amritsar district. The duo was wanted in connection with an extortion and firing case that occurred on February 13.
25-Feb-2025
Phillaur Police on February 25 arrested three female drug peddlers, identified as Anita Rani, wife of Mangat Ram; Rani, wife of Minda; and Preeti, wife of Harjinder, and seized 160 narcotic pills from their possession in Ganna Village, Phillaur, Jalandhar district. The arrests followed police intelligence on drug trafficking. All three accused are habitual offenders with multiple prior cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
25-Feb-2025
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh on February 25 engaged in an online spat with an X user named 'Randomsena,' who urged him to say 'Khalistan Murdabad.' Singh responded by calling him an enemy of India and later revealed that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed against the account.
25-Feb-2025
The Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi on February 25 sentenced former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment in a murder case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Kumar, already serving a sentence in Tihar Jail for another 1984 riots case, was convicted of leading a mob that burned alive Jaswant Singh and his son in Delhi’s Saraswati Vihar. The court described his actions as "brutal and reprehensible" but considered mitigating factors such as his age (80 years) and health conditions in awarding a life sentence instead of the death penalty.
25-Feb-2025
Delhi’s Food Supply, Industry, Environment, and Forest Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on February 25 criticized the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi, for their silence on the life sentence handed to former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Sirsa stated that while the nation welcomed the verdict, the Congress leadership’s silence indicated their complicity in the violence. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the Sikh community and thanked Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah for reconstituting the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which played a key role in the case.
25-Feb-2025
Ludhiana city police on February 25 demolished the properties of a drug smuggler, identified as Sonu, as part of an intensified crackdown on narcotics trafficking in Talwandi village, Ludhiana district. Sonu and his family were implicated in six drug-smuggling cases.
25-Feb-2025
Ludhiana city police on February 25 demolished the properties of drug smuggler Rahul Hans as part of an intensified crackdown on narcotics trafficking in Dugri, Ludhiana district. Rahul was arrested in 2024 with over 41,000 illicit tablets and INR 2.15 lakh in drug-related proceeds. The demolitions were carried out under the supervision of Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal, who warned that 78 more identified traffickers could face similar action. Authorities have also sought municipal records to seize vehicles purchased with drug money.
25-Feb-2025
Punjab Police on February 25 conducted raids and search operations at 1,274 immigration firms across the state as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. Special Director General of Police (DGP) (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who oversaw the operation, reported that at least 24 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against defaulting travel agents, with seven arrests made. Police were directed to take strict action against agents violating the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012.
25-Feb-2025
On February 25, the Centre informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that a 15-member committee, headed by Biplab Kumar Deb, has been constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker to examine leave applications of absent Members of Parliament (MPs), including jailed Khadoor Sahib MP and Khalistani radical preacher Amritpal Singh. Amritpal, currently detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), had sought permission to attend parliamentary sessions. His petition argues that his prolonged absence violates his constitutional rights and could lead to his seat being declared vacant. The High Court adjourned the matter to next week after taking the Centre’s statement on record.
24-Feb-2025
Former Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Atishi on February 24 accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of harboring anti-Sikh and anti-Dalit sentiments, alleging that the new government removed portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Baba Saheb Ambedkar from government offices. She also criticized Delhi CM Rekha Gupta for failing to implement the Mahila Samman Yojana, calling the Prime Minister’s (PM) guarantee “false.”
24-Feb-2025
According to sources, the Border Security Force (BSF) has deployed additional personnel along the Indo-Pakistan border in Punjab and Jammu to strengthen the anti-infiltration grid and counter the smuggling of arms and narcotics through drones. The BSF’s Western Command, based in Chandigarh, has ordered the establishment of nine “strategic” headquarters in these regions, supported by a newly created control room for intelligence and operations. Each headquarters will have a senior commander and the commanding officer of the battalion deployed at vulnerable border posts. Security forces have also been directed to relocate maximum manpower from battalion headquarters to these areas.
24-Feb-2025
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on February 24 directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and police forces of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to cooperate in tackling the drug menace. The court rejected Punjab’s plea to modify an earlier order, stating that the investigation should remain with central agencies due to the severity of the issue.
24-Feb-2025
Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar issued an open death threat to Bollywood actor Salman Khan in a TV interview. He also admitted to orchestrating the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, claiming it was necessary to "teach him a lesson." Brar stated that targeting Salman Khan remains a priority for his gang due to past grievances involving the Bishnoi community.
24-Feb-2025
Police on February 24 arrested two members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Avtar Singh alias Labba Baba and Ravi Kumar, and seized three foreign-made pistols (an Austria-made 9 mm Glock pistol and China-made Px5 and Px3 pistols), 20 cartridges, and a cellphone from their possession in Sri Muktsar Sahib district. Investigations revealed their direct links to Sachin Charewan, an associate of Lawrence Bishnoi.
24-Feb-2025
According to sources, Punjab Police have intensified security measures across Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts following a series of 12 grenade attacks on police stations and posts since December 20, 2024, claimed by Khalistani terror outfits Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). Security enhancements include corrugated metal sheets, barbed wire, armored tractors, barricaded approach roads, and heightened boundary walls. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav recently attributed the attacks to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), alleging an attempt to destabilize Punjab. Investigations have identified the masterminds, and efforts are underway to extradite those based abroad.
24-Feb-2025
On February 24, police revealed that a major network of agencies linked to Khalistani outfits, including the Khalistani terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), had been uncovered in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh (UP). Operating in Puranpur, these agencies used fake documents to arrange visas for individuals traveling to Canada and the United Kingdom (UK). Investigations found that fraudsters ran these agencies, which were used by overseas operatives to transfer funds and facilitate illegal immigration. The network was also linked to financing militants and sharpshooters. Over 500 victims have come forward, leading to the registration of 55 First Information Reports (FIRs), 12 arrests, and the recovery of over INR 55 lakh.
23-Feb-2025
On February 23 in Amritsar, members of the Akal Takht panel overseeing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) overhaul met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, stating that the party was reluctant to cooperate with them on the membership drive. The meeting lasted an hour, during which they submitted a report on their three meetings held so far. The panel faced setbacks following the resignations of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami and member Kirpal Singh Badungar, though their resignations have not yet been accepted. The Jathedar assured them that the authority of the Akal Takht-constituted panel remains intact and that he would ensure the implementation of the December 2 edict.
23-Feb-2025
Batala Police on February 23 arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Surjit Singh and his accomplice, Ankush Maini, for their involvement in an extortion racket operated by US-based gangster Gurdev Jassal, which targeted local businessmen and seized INR 82.23 lakh, a high-end SUV, and a .32 bore pistol from their possession in Batala, Gurdaspur district. Authorities stated that Surjit Singh had extorted over INR 2 crore before his arrest. A lookout circular has been issued for his two US-based sons, who are also allegedly linked to the racket.
23-Feb-2025
Police on February 23 arrested wanted criminal Maninder Singh Mohali, who was injured in an encounter during a weapon recovery operation, after he opened fire on officers, prompting retaliation, in Nadampur village, Sangrur district.
23-Feb-2025
Police on February 23 busted a heroin smuggling network operating along the international border (IB) and arrested Navdeep Singh alias Lovely, seizing 511 grams of heroin from his possession in Peer Ismail Khan village, Ferozepur district. His arrest followed the interrogation of Baljit Singh in Ludhiana, which linked him to a smuggling operation involving heroin drops by Pakistani drones. The Sriganganagar police had been investigating the case since June 15, 2024, after recovering 6 kg of heroin from fields near the IB. Navdeep has been remanded in police custody until February 27.
22-Feb-2025
Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on February 22 criticized Canada for allowing elements within its borders to plan and execute violence in India, calling it "unforgivable" while speaking at the ABP Network's Ideas of India 2025 Summit in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He also condemned Canada’s failure to prosecute those responsible for the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing, which killed 329 people, mostly of Indian origin. Tharoor further accused the Canadian government of protecting Khalistani extremists and denying visas to former Indian military and police personnel, calling it an "insulting stand."
22-Feb-2025
Police on February 22, in a crackdown against unorganised miscreants supplying drugs and narcotics to addicts visiting outpatient opioid assisted treatment (OOAT) centres and civil hospitals, arrested 13 unidentified persons, in Malerkotla in Malerkotla district. The operation was conducted following concerns raised by social activists and chemists' associations. Investigations revealed the illegal supply of banned pregabalin 300 mg to addicts, while legally permitted pregabalin 75 mg was used to evade action.
22-Feb-2025
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is set to hear a petition on February 25 filed by radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, currently detained in Dibrugarh Central Jail, Assam, under the National Security Act (NSA). Singh seeks permission to attend parliamentary sessions, arguing that his prolonged absence violates his constitutional rights and leaves nearly 19 lakh constituents unrepresented. He has also requested authorisation to meet officials regarding the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme. The petition will be heard by Chief Justice Sheel Nago and Justice Sumeet Goel.
22-Feb-2025
Khalistani terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) on February 22 claimed responsibility for a grenade attack near the Border Security Force (BSF) campus at the Attari border in Punjab via a social media post. The claim, similar to previous ones by gangsters Happy Passia and Gopi Navashaharpuria, alleged the attack was in response to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. However, both the BSF and Punjab Police dismissed the claim as fake, stating that no such incident had occurred.
22-Feb-2025
The appointment of Rajouri Garden Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Manjinder Singh Sirsa as a Cabinet Minister in Delhi is seen as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) move to consolidate Sikh support in Punjab. Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for not appointing a Sikh minister during its decade-long rule. While BJP leaders highlighted the party’s initiatives for Sikhs, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) dismissed claims that the move would have any significant impact in Punjab. Sirsa, who previously belonged to SAD, joined the BJP in 2021, leading to a shift in SAD’s leadership in Delhi. Organisational changes are expected in Punjab BJP following state president Sunil Jakhar’s resignation.
22-Feb-2025
Amritsar Police on February 22 recovered 2 kg of heroin concealed near a canal in Boparai Baj Singh village in Ajnala, Amritsar district, based on a disclosure statement by accused Harmandeep Singh, who was arrested on February 19. This seizure follows the earlier recovery of 13 kg of heroin, bringing the total to 15 kg. Police stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other associates involved in the drug network.
21-Feb-2025
Punjab Police on February 21 arrested two key operatives of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) with direct links to Pakistan-based BKI terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and US-based Happy Passia, identified as Jagdish Singh alias Jagga and Shubhdeep Singh Aulakh alias Shubh alias Sunny and seized two .32 bore pistols and five rounds from their possession in Kharar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Authorities claimed that the duo was involved in the February 10 attack in Nanded, Maharashtra, and was planning targeted killings in Punjab. Further investigations are ongoing.
21-Feb-2025
Police on February 21 busted a trans-border drug cartel, arresting four traffickers identified as Gurjant, Jagjit Singh, Sahil Kumar, and Rinku, and seizing 5.06 kg of heroin from their possession in Amritsar district. Jagjit Singh, who had recently returned from Italy, was already wanted in a January 14 heroin seizure case. Police stated that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers using drones to transport the contraband.