KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
07-Dec-2024
Jalandhar Rural Police on December 7 arrested eight individuals, identified as Kushal, Jatinder Singh, Hina, Jaspinder Singh, Surinder Singh, Jagjivan Lal, Suraj, and his wife Simran and seized 504 narcotic pills, 47 grams of opium, INR 1,500 in drug money, three motorcycles, and one luxury car from their possession in Phillaur, Jalandhar district.
07-Dec-2024
On December 7, a clash between two groups of convicts at Kapurthala Central Jail left four inmates injured. One critically injured inmate, Simranjeet Singh, was referred to Amritsar Medical College, while the others were treated at Kapurthala Civil Hospital. The altercation, which occurred around 8 p.m. in barrack 3/3, involved the use of sharp iron rods and was reportedly triggered by an old rivalry.
06-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Rural Police on December 6 arrested three individuals, identified as Makha Singh, Sajjan Singh, and William Masih and seized 5 kg of heroin along with a revolver from their possession near Ajnala in Amritsar district. Their accomplices, Harpal Singh alias Bhala and Gursewak Singh alias Sewak, managed to flee.
06-Dec-2024
The Special Cell of Delhi Police on December 6 arrested two shooters of the Tillu Tajpuriya gang, identified as Narender and Abhishek, following a shootout in Rohini, North West Delhi.
06-Dec-2024
According to sources, Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant arrested for attempting to assassinate former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, was active during the Punjab militancy. He admitted to receiving firearms training in Pakistan and claimed to have bribed the Punjab Police in 1997 to evade custody. As the founder of the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA), Chaura has been associated with various separatist groups and radical ideologies. He has also authored books on Sikh history and militant activities.
06-Dec-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on December 6 directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to respond to a plea by former Congress councillor Balwan Khokhar seeking suspension of his sentence in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Khokhar, currently serving a life sentence, requested furlough citing his age, disability, and health issues. His plea was previously rejected by jail authorities. Khokhar has also challenged the high court's 2018 order upholding his conviction.
06-Dec-2024
Preliminary police investigations suggest that former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who attempted to assassinate Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple, acted alone. Chaura, currently in a three-day police remand, fired at Badal from close range but missed, before being subdued by plainclothes policemen. A 9mm pistol was recovered from him, and authorities are investigating its origin. Police are also probing potential motivations for the attack, possibly tied to Badal's recent religious penance.
06-Dec-2024
The Amritsar Police Commissionerate on December 6 announced the arrest of 10 individuals, including four operatives backed by Pakistan-based terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, United States (US) based gangster Harpreet Singh alias Happy Pashia, Jeevan Fauji and Jashanpreet Singh, and seized a hand grenade, two .30 bore pistols, one .32 bore pistol and a drone from their possession, from Amritsar in Amritsar district.
06-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with the Punjab Police, recovered a packet of heroin weighing 562 grams from fields near Dal village in Tarn Taran district on December 6.
06-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 6 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 545 grams from fields near Thetharke village in Gurdaspur district.
05-Dec-2024
Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) of Punjab and leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), on December 5 continued his "seva" under tight security at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar district, Punjab.
05-Dec-2024
On December 5, Dal Khalsa organized a Panthic convention in Moga, Moga district, calling for unity among Sikh groups and cautioning against airing divisive issues publicly. Speakers criticized state policies targeting Sikhs and expressed support for former militant Narain Singh Chaura, who recently attacked Sukhbir Badal. They emphasized unity based on Sikh principles while urging accountability for actions disrupting communal harmony.
05-Dec-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on December 5 revealed that Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Jasbir Singh, who protected Sukhbir Singh Badal during the recent attack, was not officially on duty but had been sent to Amritsar to assist as a Gursikh. Majithia accused the Amritsar police of pressuring Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staff to suppress CCTV footage that could expose security lapses leading to the attack. He also alleged that Superintendent of Police (SP) Harpal Randhawa maintained close ties with Narain Singh Chaura, a militant facing over 30 cases, and criticized police inaction despite tracking Chaura before the attack. Additionally, Majithia accused Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar of downplaying the incident under political pressure.
05-Dec-2024
The Counter Intelligence (CI) unit of Punjab Police on December 5 arrested three drug smugglers—Husanpreet Singh, Karandeep Singh alias Manna, and Maninder Singh—and seized 5 kilograms of heroin, INR 4.45 lakh in drug money, along with a white Honda Activa and a black Hero Deluxe from their possession in Amritsar, Amritsar district. The police acted on a tip-off regarding their smuggling activities, which allegedly involved consignments dropped by drones from Pakistan. A case has been registered under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
05-Dec-2024
Amritsar Police Commissionerate on December 5 dismantled a trans-border narcotics smuggling module, arresting three smugglers identified as Harpartap Singh alias Happy, Karandeep Singh and Jagpreet Singh, and seized 5 kilograms of heroin from their possession, near Verka bypass in Amritsar in Amritsar district. The suspects had reportedly received the drug consignment from an unknown source in the Fatehgarh Churian area. A case has been registered under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader smuggling network.
05-Dec-2024
On December 5, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the ‘Youth of Punjab’ campaign to combat drug abuse by encouraging youth participation in sports. Conceived by Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, the campaign will be inaugurated on January 11 in Ludhiana by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Union Government ministers. The initiative aims to foster sportsmanship in over 12,500 villages and 100 urban areas, with plans to distribute sports kits to clubs and institutions.
05-Dec-2024
On December 5, a day after the attack on former Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, Khalistani ex-militant Narain Singh Chaura was produced in the Amritsar district court. The court granted a three-day remand for his interrogation. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, focusing on Chaura's radical affiliations and the source of the weapon used in the attack.
05-Dec-2024
The December 4 attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal is not the first instance of violence targeting the Badal family in recent years. On August 28, 2021, a man hurled a shoe at Sukhbir during a political rally in Amritsar, though it missed him. In February 2021, his SUV was pelted with bricks and stones during a clash between Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress workers in Jalalabad. Earlier, in January 2017, then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was struck by a shoe, resulting in mild swelling. However, none of these incidents have been as severe as the recent assassination attempt.
04-Dec-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Naresh Gujral, in a recent interview with The Tribune, expressed optimism that Punjabis would forgive the party, drawing a parallel to how they pardoned the Congress after Operation Bluestar and the 1984 Sikh massacre. His remarks came in the wake of the Akal Takht’s ruling that found former SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and other party leaders guilty of violating the Sikh rehat maryada. Reflecting on the party’s recent penance at the Golden Temple, Gujral emphasized Punjab’s tradition of forgiving those who sincerely atone for their mistakes. While acknowledging the formidable challenge of rebuilding the Akali Dal, he underscored the importance of humility in the process. Gujral also highlighted growing frustration among Punjabi youth, particularly concerning the Centre's handling of farmers' issues.
04-Dec-2024
Jalandhar Rural Police on December 4 arrested two members of an inter-district extortion gang involved in an extortion attempt, identified as Gursevak Singh and Sunil Kumar, and seized one pistol, ammunition, a mobile phone with a SIM card, a car, and a motorcycle from their possession, near Saidpur Jhri village in Jalandhar district. The arrests followed an extortion attempt targeting a doctor in Nakodar, with investigations revealing the accused's involvement in multiple extortion plans. Further links to criminal activities are being probed.
04-Dec-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on December 4 strongly condemned the assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. He stated that the attack was not just on Sukhbir but on a ‘sewadar’ fulfilling his religious duties outside the Golden Temple.
04-Dec-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on December 4 expressed concern over the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling it an insult to the Akal Takht. He urged the police to ensure the safety of Akali leaders as they perform religious duties in accordance with the Takht's directives.
04-Dec-2024
On December 4, former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal survived an assassination attempt while performing penance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The shooter, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant wanted in Khalistani terror-related cases, was overpowered by a volunteer before he could inflict harm. Chaura positioned himself in front of Badal but missed the target when a volunteer pushed him as he fired. The bullet, aimed at Badal, struck a wall approximately six feet away from where he was seated. Badal escaped unharmed.
04-Dec-2024
On December 4, Narain Singh Chaura, a former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) employee, ex-militant, and key figure in the 2004 Burail jailbreak, attempted to assassinate former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. Chaura, identified as a pro-Khalistan activist and a member of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), has been implicated in multiple terror-related cases and was under surveillance by intelligence agencies.
04-Dec-2024
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on December 4 condemned the assassination attempt on its leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, labelling it an attack on the sanctity of Sri Darbar Sahib. SAD accused Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa of shielding the assailant, Narain Singh Chaura, a former militant linked to terror cases. Party leader Bikram Singh Majithia demanded a High Court-monitored probe and criticized the Punjab government for security lapses, citing Chaura's movements in the area prior to the attack.
04-Dec-2024
According to sources, Narain Singh Chaura, a former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) employee and militant turned social activist, attempted to shoot Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, was known for his strong criticism of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) over sacrilege cases. In a Facebook post, he condemned the SAD, stating that its "sins" could not be undone and opposing efforts to absolve the party through symbolic punishments. Chaura had a history of militancy, with links to the Khalistan National Army (KNA) and Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), and was involved in the 2004 Burail jailbreak.
04-Dec-2024
The Muktsar police and the Counter Intelligence (CI) Wing on December 4 arrested four members of the Bambiha gang, identified as Gurjivan Singh, Maninder Singh, Surinder Singh, and Sukhpreet Singh alias Shampy and seized a pistol, four live cartridges, and a country-made weapon in Gidderbaha, Sri Muktsar Sahib district, Punjab. Gurjivan Singh, Maninder Singh, and Surinder Singh were arrested on December 2 with the pistol and cartridges, while Sukhpreet Singh, alias Shampy, was apprehended on December 4 with the country-made weapon.
03-Dec-2024
The Jalandhar Police on December 3 arrested four smugglers, identified as Palwinder Singh alias Sona, Amardeep alias Harman, Vishal, Balbir Singh alias Bira, and seized 150 narcotics pills, 50 grams of heroin, and INR 4,800 in drug money from their possession, in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
03-Dec-2024
The Akal Takht's decision to revoke Parkash Singh Badal's "Fakhr-e-Qaum" (Pride of the Nation) title and impose religious punishments on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders represents a critical juncture for the party, challenging its moral authority in Sikh politics. Criticizing the SAD's failure to protect Sikh interests, the Akal Takht called for a comprehensive reorganization of the party, urging rival factions to unite and elect new leadership to rebuild trust and restore integrity.
03-Dec-2024
Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab's former Deputy Chief Minister, has been punished by the Akal Takht for "religious misconduct" during the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) tenure from 2007 to 2017. He admitted to favouring Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2015 sacrilege case, which led to violent clashes in Punjab. His punishment includes cleaning utensils and bathrooms and serving at the Golden Temple while wearing a plaque acknowledging his misconduct. The Akal Takht has also mandated reforms in SAD leadership within six months.
03-Dec-2024
Police on December 3 froze property worth INR 1.42 crore belonging to three drug peddlers: Rajwinder Kaur of Plasaur, Gurbhej Singh Bheja, and Jagrup Singh in Punjab. Rajwinder Kaur's property in Plasaur, Tarn Taran district, was valued at INR 66.40 lakh, Gurbhej Singh Bheja’s in Meharbanpura village, Amritsar district, at INR 35.80 lakh, and Jagrup Singh’s in Balia Manjhpur village, Amritsar district, at INR 40 lakh. The action involved the attachment of residences, commercial properties, and land, with notices affixed to their respective properties.
03-Dec-2024
Police on December 3 froze property worth INR 1.42 crore belonging to three drug peddlers: Rajwinder Kaur of Plasaur, Gurbhej Singh Bheja, and Jagrup Singh in Punjab. Rajwinder Kaur's property in Plasaur, Tarn Taran district, was valued at INR 66.40 lakh, Gurbhej Singh Bheja’s in Meharbanpura village, Amritsar district, at INR 35.80 lakh, and Jagrup Singh’s in Balia Manjhpur village, Amritsar district, at INR 40 lakh. The action involved the attachment of residences, commercial properties, and land, with notices affixed to their respective properties.
03-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 3 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 560 grams along with a drone from fields adjacent to Rattan Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
03-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on December 3 recovered a drone in broken condition from fields near Wan Tara Singh village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a DJI Air 3S model.
02-Dec-2024
Purnea Police on December 2 arrested Rambabu Yadav for allegedly threatening independent Member of Parliament (MP) Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav from Dumaria village in Bhojpur district, Bihar. Rambabu Yadav, who previously had associations with Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party, claimed he was offered INR 2 lakh to issue video death threats to the MP, reportedly to prompt an upgrade in his security. During interrogation, the police found no connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, and further investigations are ongoing.
02-Dec-2024
According to sources, the Indian government has blocked approximately 10,500 URLs linked to the pro-Khalistani referendum over the past three years under Section 69A of the IT Act, citing national security concerns. Additionally, over 28,000 social media URLs, including those from platforms like Facebook and X, were blocked during this period for fraud and other malicious activities. The actions were taken based on recommendations from intelligence agencies and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA).
02-Dec-2024
On December 2, a video surfaced on social media showing Khalistan leader and self-styled head of Damdami Taksal Rajpura, Barjinder Singh Parwana, issuing death threats against Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, referencing the assassination of Indira Gandhi as a warning. The threats were reportedly triggered by Shastri's perceived remarks about the Golden Temple, although his supporters deny these allegations. The video has sparked widespread outrage, and complaints have been filed accusing Parwana of sedition and incitement to religious hatred.
02-Dec-2024
The five high priests on December 2 imposed religious punishment (‘tankhah’) on Sukhbir Singh Badal, directing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to accept his resignation as party chief within three days and conduct elections for new office-bearers within six months. Sukhbir Singh Badal was also instructed to perform ‘sewa’ at the Golden Temple as penance for his government’s shortcomings between 2007 and 2017, including its handling of the 2015 sacrilege incidents. Additionally, the Akal Takht revoked the ‘Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum’ title previously awarded to the late Parkash Singh Badal.
02-Dec-2024
A Delhi court on December 2 adjourned the hearing in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler to December 9, as two former police officials summoned as witnesses were unable to depose. The case pertains to the killings of three Sikhs at Gurdwara Pul Bangash, with Tytler facing charges of murder and other offences.
02-Dec-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued new threats via a video message on December 2, urging farmers to surround Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his visit to Punjab Engineering College on December 3 in Chandigarh.
02-Dec-2024
According to sources, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to investigate threats issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to disrupt the All India Directors General of Police (DGP) and Inspectors General of Police (IGP) Conference 2024 in Bhubaneswar. Pannun reportedly sent threatening emails and audio messages to journalists in Odisha, prompting a high alert. Authorities suspect the involvement of sleeper cells, as the messages included text in both Odia and English, potentially prepared locally or with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
02-Dec-2024
Fazilka police on December 2 dismantled an inter-state network of illegal opioids operating from Rajasthan, arresting an unidentified individual and seizing 1.71 lakh Clovidol-100 tablets in Khuian Sarwar, Abohar, Fazilka district.
01-Dec-2024
The Jagraon City police on December 1 arrested three persons, identified as Ravideep Singh alias Ravi, Amandeep Singh alias Jassu and Karan alias Nikku and seized 50 grams of heroin along with a Hyundai i20 from their possession, near Kothe Ath Chak village in Ludhiana district.
01-Dec-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 1 recovered two heroin consignments weighing 541 grams and 750 grams respectively, along with four Pakistani drones from fields in Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts in Punjab. The recovered drones included two DJI AIR 3S and two DJI Mavic 3 Classic models.
01-Dec-2024
Khalra police on December 1 arrested two bike-borne persons, identified as Jaspal Singh and Nirvail Singh and seized 115 grams of heroin from their possession, near Khalra village in Tarn Taran district. The Police revealed that the accused had received the consignment from the Pakistan side through a drone.
01-Dec-2024
Sadar police on December 1 arrested an individual, identified as Sukhjinder Singh Chhindha and seized an unlicensed 12 bore pistol from his possession while patrolling on the Abohar-Sriganganagar road in Fazilka district.
01-Dec-2024
On December 1, a five-member committee of Sikhs from Haryana, comprising Sukhwinder Singh Mandebar (Yamunanagar), Swaran Singh (Bunga Tibbi, Panchkula), Malkit Singh Panniwala (Sirsa), Swaran Singh Ratia (Fatehabad), and Umrao Singh Chhina (Kaithal), paid obeisance at Akal Takht in Amritsar and prayed for the prosperity of the newly formed Shiromani Akali Dal (Azad) (SAD-A). The committee, tasked with nominating the party's president, aims to address Sikh issues in Haryana and field candidates for religious elections, including those for the Haryana Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (HGPC), Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).
01-Dec-2024
Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) Western Command, Satish S. Khandare, while addressing the media during BSF's 60th Raising Day in Chandigarh, revealed a nearly 150% increase in drone seizures along Punjab's 553-km border with Pakistan in 2024, with 242 of the 250 recovered drones spotted in Punjab. He also highlighted significant recoveries, including 663 kg of narcotics and 69 weapons, and commended the force's efforts in preventing infiltration and smuggling.
01-Dec-2024
Police on December 1 arrested a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang along with his two associates, identified as Bhupendra Singh Rawat, Adesh Chaudhary and Deepak Singh Rawat, and seized three pistols and six bullets were recovered from their possession in Indore in Madhya Pradesh (MP). The suspects were reportedly planning to hijack a liquor truck.
01-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 1 recovered a packet containing 500 grams of heroin along with a drone from fields near Rajatal village in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI AIR 3S model.