KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
01-Dec-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on December 1 recovered a packet containing 540 grams of heroin along with a drone from fields near Dhariwal village in Ajnala in Amritsar district. The drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
30-Nov-2024
At the 60th Raising Day press conference in Attari, Punjab, on November 30, Inspector-General (IG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) (Punjab Frontier), Atul Fulzale, revealed that the BSF had shared a list of 136 drug peddlers involved in cross-border smuggling via drones with the Punjab Police, urging action under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. Fulzale noted a sharp rise in drone interceptions, with 270 rogue drones captured this year compared to 107 last year, alongside the seizure of 254 kg of heroin. The BSF has also set up a laboratory in Amritsar to analyze seized drones and predict smuggling patterns.
30-Nov-2024
On November 30, Inspector-General (IG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) (Punjab Frontier), Atul Fulzale, revealed during the 60th Raising Day press conference in Attari, Punjab, that 87% of the heroin seized by the force was smuggled using drones from Pakistan. He noted that Pakistani smugglers have increasingly turned to low-cost drones carrying smaller quantities of drugs to reduce losses from detection.
30-Nov-2024
Jalandhar (Rural) police on November 30 dismantled a drug smuggling network with the arrest of a key operative identified as Amit Kumar Bhatti alias Mita, and seized which 95 grams of suspicious envelope containing brown sugar and INR 1 lakh drug money from his possession, from Valmik Mohalla in Gurdaspur in Gurdaspur district. Bhatti was managing a complex inter-state drug trafficking route spanning Moradabad (UP), Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh (HP). The police traced his operations, which involved procuring brown sugar from Moradabad and selling it to foreign tourists in HP at inflated prices.
30-Nov-2024
Amritsar rural police on November 30 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Sandeep Singh alias Bittu and seized 470 grams of heroin from his possession from Rattan Kalan village in Amritsar.
30-Nov-2024
Phillaur police on November 30 arrested two individuals, identified as Sonu Bacha and Akash Kumar alias Baba and seized 8 grams of heroin, 105 narcotic pills and INR 10,000 in cash from their possession, near Panjdhera village in Phillaur in Jalandhar district.
30-Nov-2024
Patara police team on November 30 arrested two individuals, identified as Rajwinder Singh alias Raja, and Hardeep Thapar alias Honey and seized 12 grams of heroin and 300 narcotic pills along with a motorcycle from their possession, near Chadpur village in Jalandhar district.
30-Nov-2024
Kartarpur police on November 30 arrested two individuals, identified as Arshpreet Singh and Dilpreet and seized 3 grams of heroin from their possession near Ambia village in Jalandhar district.
30-Nov-2024
On November 30, Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav, an Independent Member of Parliament (MP) from Purnea, Bihar, received a death threat via WhatsApp, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The message warned that he would be killed within 24 hours. The threat is believed to be linked to Yadav's outspoken stance against organized crime, particularly his strong criticism of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
29-Nov-2024
Punjab Police on November 29 arrested two persons, identified as Jagjit Singh alias Nikku, and Gurwinder Singh alias Gandhi, and seized eight sophisticated pistols four Glock pistols (made in Austria), two Turkiye 9mm pistols and two X-Shot Zigana pistols, along with 10 rounds of ammunition smuggled into the country from Pakistan from their possession in near Padhri village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
29-Nov-2024
On November 29, Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah inaugurated the annual Directors General of Police (DGPs) and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He emphasized emerging security challenges such as cross-border terrorism, cybercrimes, and left-wing extremism. He also highlighted the implementation of new justice-oriented criminal laws, improvements in internal security, and the role of the police in achieving Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
29-Nov-2024
A Delhi court on November 29 deferred its verdict in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots murder case involving former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar, stating that the judgment was not yet ready. The verdict is now scheduled for December 16. The case relates to the killings of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh in Saraswati Vihar during the riots.
29-Nov-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 29 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 560 grams along with a drone from fields near Mahawa village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
29-Nov-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 29 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 572 grams along with a drone from fields near Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
29-Nov-2024
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), issued a threat on November 29 targeting Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport, where the high-profile Directors General and Inspectors General (DG-IG) conference is scheduled for December 1. In an Odia email and audio clip sent to journalist Akshay Sahoo, Pannun offered INR 25 lakh to anyone hoisting a Khalistani flag in Bhubaneswar and advised travellers to avoid flights. Security was intensified after a suspicious bag was found outside Terminal-1, with authorities investigating the sender’s IP address while maintaining heightened vigilance during other high-profile events in Odisha.
28-Nov-2024
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on November 28 that Indian consular officials in Vancouver were subjected to audio and video surveillance, with their private communications intercepted by Canadian authorities. He described these actions as a violation of diplomatic protocols and disclosed that India had lodged a strong protest through a note verbale on November 2. Singh also expressed concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats facing threats from extremist groups, urging Canada to provide adequate protection and emphasizing that respect for territorial integrity is essential for stable bilateral relations.
28-Nov-2024
On November 28, panic gripped localities around Gurdaspur railway station after 10 mortar shells were discovered during construction work in Gurdaspur district. Labourers alerted the railway police, and a team led by Gurdaspur city police recovered the highly rusted shells. The police have called in a bomb disposal squad from Amritsar, and an investigation is ongoing.
28-Nov-2024
The Police on November 28 arrested two youths, who have been allegedly indulging in criminal acts for the past two years identified as Lovepreet Singh and Ravinder Singh after an encounter, and seized one pistol and some live cartridges from their possession, in Faridkot in Faridkot district. Both have been admitted to the hospital, and further investigation is underway.
28-Nov-2024
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), on November 28 issued a video message threatening to disrupt India’s annual DGP-IGP conference, set to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The conference, which is scheduled to be attended by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister (UHM) Amit Shah, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, and over 450 senior police officials, including Directors General of Police (DGPs) and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), was targeted by Pannun. He referred to PM Modi, UHM Amit Shah, and NSA Ajit Doval as an "axis of evil" and urged his supporters to disrupt the high-level meeting.
28-Nov-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on November 28 busted an international drug trafficking gang with the arrest of three individuals identified as Chahat, Pawan Kumar and Ranbir Singh and seized 3 kg of opium from their possession in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district. Police first arrested Chahat on November 24 with 1 kg of opium and subsequently nabbed Pawan Kumar and Ranbir Singh, recovering an additional 2 kg based on information provided by him. The gang was involved in smuggling and packaging opium for international trade, and further investigations are underway to trace their links and identify other associates.
28-Nov-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) on November 28 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 560 grams near Gehle Wala village in Fazilka district.
28-Nov-2024
Police on November 28 arrested an individual, identified as Kalu Singh Kala and seized 10 grams of heroin from his possession in Jalalabad in Fazilka district.
27-Nov-2024
The Jalalabad police on November 27 arrested an unidentified woman and seized 20 grams of heroin from her possession in Hazara Ram Singh Wala village in Fazilka district.
27-Nov-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops in a joint operation with Punjab Police on November 27 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 624 grams from fields near Sankara village in Tarn Taran district.
27-Nov-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops in a joint operation with Punjab Police on November 27 recovered a drone from fields near Rajatal village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
27-Nov-2024
The Central Jail administration seized 1.90 grams of cannabis and 26 intoxicating pills from Harjinder Singh, a prisoner returning from an eight-week parole, at Jalandhar Central Jail in Jalandhar district on November 27.
27-Nov-2024
Amritsar City Police on November 27 destroyed 56.61 kg of heroin, over 2 lakhs of intoxicant capsules and tablets, 4.97 kg of narcotic powder, 1 kg of ICE, 23 kg of Charas, 1.54 kg of smack, over 10 kg of poppy husk and 2.9 kg of ganja confiscated in 182 cases, in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
27-Nov-2024
The Amritsar Rural Police on November 27 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Mangal Singh alias Baba Manga and seized 1 kg of heroin from his possession, near Gharinda in Amritsar district.
27-Nov-2024
A three-day conference of police chiefs will begin in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on November 29, focusing on critical internal security issues, including terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), pro-Khalistan activities, cybercrimes, and the implementation of new criminal laws. The conference will feature discussions led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, aimed at modernizing policing, countering drone threats, and enhancing security strategies across the country.
27-Nov-2024
Faridkot Member of Parliament (MP) Sarabjit Singh Khalsa and Tarsem Singh, father of jailed Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, on November 27 met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh. The meeting took place ahead of the Sikh clergy's meeting on December 2. They urged the Jathedar to deliver an impartial decision regarding Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who was declared guilty of religious misconduct for actions during the party's 2007-2017 tenure. Tarsem Singh alleged that recent resignations by Sukhbir and other leaders were attempts to influence the Jathedar's verdict.
27-Nov-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 27 carried out extensive searches at nine premises linked to associates of the Davinder Bambiha syndicate in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The operation targeted terror-gangster networks involved in smuggling arms, explosives, and narcotics into India. During the crackdown, the NIA seized incriminating items, including digital devices and financial records. Investigations revealed that the syndicate was attempting to fund terrorist activities on Indian soil.
26-Nov-2024
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in a joint operation with Mohali Police on November 26 arrested two operatives of Davinder Bambiha gang, identified as Harinder Singh and Gurjinder Singh, and seized two .32 calibre pistols and seven cartridges from their possession, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused, were allegedly planning crimes in the Tricity area under instructions from Armenia-based gangster Lucky Patial, with coordination from United States (US) based Kulveer Singh alias Lala Benipal.
26-Nov-2024
On November 26, two unidentified individuals reportedly threw a crude bomb outside Seville Bar and Lounge and De’Ora Club, causing a low-intensity blast in Sector 26, Chandigarh. The incident is under investigation by the Chandigarh Police’s forensic team, which is working to gather more details.
26-Nov-2024
The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang on November 26 took responsibility for two low-intensity blasts outside Seville Bar and Lounge and De’Ora Club in Sector 26, Chandigarh, citing unpaid protection money as the motive. In a social media post, gang member Goldy Brar warned of more severe actions if their demands were ignored. The police are investigating the extortion angle and reviewing CCTV footage to gather further evidence.
26-Nov-2024
Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) on November 26 executed preventive detention orders against top drug smuggler Gurdeep Singh alias Raano Sarpanch, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act in Bathinda district. A repeat offender with seven NDPS cases and connections to international smuggling networks, Raano has been detained for one year. Additionally, INR 7.80 crore of his assets have been frozen.
26-Nov-2024
On November 26, a shootout occurred between Amritsar police and gangsters, resulting in one suspect, Suraj Mandi, being injured and his accomplice managed to escape near Verka Bypass in Amritsar district. Suraj, who was involved in extortion and snatching cases, attempted to snatch a police weapon, prompting the exchange of fire.
26-Nov-2024
Police on November 26 detained farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal while he was preparing to begin an indefinite fast, sparking outrage among farmers, at Khanauri town border in Sangrur district.
25-Nov-2024
Punjab Jail Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on November 25 announced the construction of a high-security jail near Jagraon in Ludhiana district, to house gangsters and notorious criminals, aiming to dismantle criminal networks operating from within prisons.
25-Nov-2024
The Intelligence Wing of the Police on November 25 arrested two persons who had opened fire on police, identified as Bhupinder Singh alias Sonu Kangla and Sarbjeet Singh alias Baba and seized a United States (US) made 32-bore pistol from their possession, at Kotkapura-Muktsar Road near Kotkapura in Faridkot district.
25-Nov-2024
The Supreme Court (SC) on November 25 granted the Centre an additional four weeks to decide on the mercy petition of Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row convict in the 1995 assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. The Solicitor General highlighted the "sensitivity" of the case, noting that further inputs from relevant agencies are required. Rajoana has been in custody for 29 years.
25-Nov-2024
The Sangrur district police on November 25 arrested two drug peddlers, identified as Devinder Singh and Hardeep Singh, and seized 1.20 kg of heroin, 10 kg of 'bhukki chura post' (poppy pod powder), INR 4.15 lakh in drug money, a car, and a scooter from their possession near Barri village in Sangrur district.
25-Nov-2024
Punjab Police on November 25 busted an organised criminal module by arresting three members of Manjeet Mahal’s gang, identified as Iqbal Singh alias Vinay, Gulshan Kumar alias Monu alias Lefty and Satish Kumar, and seized two .30 calibre pistols along with 18 live cartridges from their possession, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
25-Nov-2024
Pritpal Singh, President of the American Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (ASGPC), on November 25 accused Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa of undermining the Sikh community by fostering divisions and supporting controversial political groups, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Singh alleged that Khalsa's actions have misled young Sikhs, leaving the community feeling betrayed.
24-Nov-2024
Batala police have submitted a proposal to a competent authority in New Delhi to freeze 42 properties valued at INR 18 crore, linked to drug smuggling activities under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The police emphasized that this action is crucial for disrupting the financial networks of organized crime syndicates and tackling narcotics-related offenses, especially those tied to cross-border smuggling operations.
23-Nov-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 23 recovered a packet containing 570 grams of heroin along with a drone from fields near Daoke village in Amritsar district.
23-Nov-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 23 recovered a drone from fields near Mahawa village in Amritsar district.
23-Nov-2024
The counter-intelligence team of the Punjab Police on November 23 arrested notorious drug smuggler Bhupinder Singh alias Sonu Kangla and his associate Sarbjeet Singh alias Babu Saab alias Naath and seized a US-made .32 bore pistol and an empty magazine from their possession near Khara village in Faridkot district. The duo attempted to flee, leading to a brief encounter before their capture.
23-Nov-2024
On November 23, the police secured a four-day custody of six suspects arrested on November 21 with seven .32 bore pistols and three sophisticated 9mm Glock pistols smuggled from Pakistan. The custody was granted by a local court in Amritsar district. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the alleged mastermind, Karanbir, believed to be behind the arms smuggling operation.
23-Nov-2024
A plot to target Punjab's Ajnala Police Station was thwarted when explosives were discovered outside the premises in Ajnala, Amritsar district on November 23. CCTV footage revealed two unidentified men placing a bomb, later found to contain 800 grams of RDX with a detonator, near the station's entrance. Authorities suspect the involvement of Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorists Happy Pasian and Gopi Nawanshahariya in the incident.
22-Nov-2024
Punjab Police on November 22 arrested two associates of the Landa gang after an intense shootout in Jalandhar district, during which over 50 shots were exchanged, injuring two police officers. Police seized seven weapons and multiple cartridges from the suspects, who were involved in extortion and other criminal activities. The arrested individuals were reportedly linked to a conspiracy by Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) to instil terror in Punjab and beyond.