KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
02-Nov-2024
According to sources, the Mumbai Police are seeking to extradite Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, from the United States (US) after receiving notifications from US authorities about his presence there. Anmol is implicated in several high-profile criminal cases, including the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, and is accused of supplying weapons for the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.
01-Nov-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), along with the Punjab Police in a joint operation on November 1 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 527 grams from fields near Narlie village in Tarn Taran district.
01-Nov-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), along with the Punjab Police in a joint operation on November 1 recovered a drone from fields near Dal village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a China-made DJI Air 3S model.
01-Nov-2024
On November 1, the Golden Temple in Amritsar commemorated ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’ with a solemn observance, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In line with Akal Takht’s directive, only select areas of the shrine were illuminated, and there was no fireworks display. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh urged unity among Sikh organizations, addressing issues such as youth migration, rising anti-Sikh sentiment, and government interference in Sikh institutions.
01-Nov-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami, on November 1 in Amritsar, clarified that its 11-member advisory board of Sikh intellectuals will provide guidance strictly on Panthic issues referred by the Akal Takht, adhering to Sikh ‘rehat maryada’ principles. He emphasized that the board is purely advisory, with all final decisions resting with the Akal Takht's high priests. Established in 1990, the board's purpose is to support, not challenge, the Akal Takht’s authority, contrary to certain media interpretations.
01-Nov-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 1 recovered one packet of heroin weighing 570 grams, along with a drone from fields near Pulmoran village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
01-Nov-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on November 1 recovered a drone from fields near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
01-Nov-2024
The Punjab Police on November 1 identified individuals arrested in connection with an inter-state illegal weapons smuggling module linked to US-based gangster Dilpreet Singh. Those arrested include Karanjeet Singh alias Dhanni, Jashandeep Singh alias Maya alias Chillar, Ishmeet Singh alias Rishu, Amritpal Singh alias Spura, Dilpreet Singh alias Dil, Varinder Singh alias Ravi, and Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi.
01-Nov-2024
Gangster Bikramjit Singh Vicky was injured in a police encounter on November 1 while being taken to recover the weapon used in the murder of Aam Aadmi Party worker Gurpreet Singh Gopi, near Goindwal Sahib in Tarn Taran district. Vicky, who was arrested in Lucknow earlier, allegedly opened fire on the police team during the recovery operation, prompting officers to return fire and injuring him in the leg.
31-Oct-2024
Amritsar Police Commissionerate on October 31 dismantled interstate illegal weapons smuggle module linked to United States (US) based Dilpreet Singh, and arrested seven unidentified operatives, and seized 12 pistols, 16 magazines, and 23 live cartridges from their possession, in Amritsar in Amritsar district. Preliminary investigations revealed that the module was providing logistical support to various gangs by procuring weapons from Madhya Pradesh (MP). Investigation is underway to identify others involved in the network.
31-Oct-2024
According to report, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, implicated in 85 criminal cases across Punjab, Mumbai, and Canada, has been unanimously elected as the youth wing head of the All-India Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha. The decision was made during a meeting held in Dutaranwali village in Abohar in Fazilka district.
31-Oct-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued a video message threatening Hindus celebrating Diwali with fireworks in Punjab. In the video, he instructed Sikh youth to prevent fireworks at Hindu temples and households, starting with polite requests but, if needed, through aggressive enforcement in what he termed the “traditional Khalsa way.”
31-Oct-2024
According to sources, India has requested assistance from the United States government and Interpol after more than 400 bomb hoax threats disrupted Indian air travel in recent weeks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is already cooperating with Indian authorities, focusing on tracing the origins of these threats, many of which were routed through Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Germany and the United Kingdom. The investigation seeks to identify any connections between these threats and Khalistani groups.
31-Oct-2024
The Ludhiana Additional Sessions Court has acquitted drug lord Ranjit Singh alias Raja Kandola alias ICE drug lord, and his accomplice Gurnam Singh in a 2017 heroin smuggling case, citing a "shoddy" investigation by the Punjab Police. The court noted a lack of evidence linking the accused to the crime and highlighted significant lapses in the investigation, including the failure to produce voice samples and conduct forensic analysis of a pen drive allegedly containing conversations about drug deals.
31-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 31 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 540 grams from fields near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
31-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 31 recovered a drone from fields near Dhanoe Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
30-Oct-2024
Punjab Police Director General (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, on October 30 in Chandigarh, announced the arrest of 10,524 drug smugglers, including 153 major offenders, with 7,686 First Information Reports (FIRs) filed within the first ten months of 2024. The police seized 790 kg of heroin, 860 kg of opium, 367 quintals of poppy husk, 93 kg of charas, 724 kg of ganja, 19 kg of ICE, and 2.90 crore tablets or injections of pharmaceutical opioids. Additionally, properties worth INR 208 crore belonging to 362 major smugglers were forfeited, with another 470 cases pending to freeze assets valued at INR 289 crore.
30-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified its crackdown on cross-border smuggling, seizing three drones on October 30, bringing the total intercepted in the past week to 13. In the first ten months of 2024, the BSF has recovered 181 drones along the Punjab stretch of the India-Pakistan border, marking a significant rise from 107 drones seized in 2023. These drones, primarily of Chinese origin, are now operating at altitudes of up to 1,000 meters, enabling them to drop narcotics and arms up to 20 kilometres within Indian territory.
30-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 30 recovered one Glock Pistol from fields near Kakkar Village in Ajnala in Amritsar district.
30-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 30 recovered one drone from fields near Burj Village in Ajnala in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a China made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
30-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 30 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 561 grams along with a drone from fields near Wan village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a China made DJI AIR 3 model.
30-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in a joint operation with Punjab Police on October 30 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 547 grams along with a drone from fields near Wan village in Patti in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a China made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
30-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 30 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 700 grams from fields near Daoke village in Amritsar district.
30-Oct-2024
A gangster, identified as Gursharan Singh was shot dead in an encounter in Beas, Amritsar district on October 30. His accomplice, Paras Singh, who escaped by jumping into the river, was later apprehended with the assistance of drones. The two were implicated in the daylight murder of commission agent Gurdeep Singh.
29-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 29 arrested three unidentified persons involved in drug smuggling, and seized 530 grams of heroin along with two smart phones, a motorcycle and Indian currency from their possession near Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district. The arrested individuals have been handed over to local police for further investigation into their links with a Pakistan-based narco-syndicate.
29-Oct-2024
A special cell of the Delhi Police on October 29 arrested two sharp-shooters associated with the Bambiha gang, identified as Bilal Ansari and Shuheb, in connection with the recent firing at a businessman’s residence in Rani Bagh, from Kakrola in South West Delhi.
29-Oct-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh urged the Sikh community on October 29 to observe ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’ in a subdued manner, as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots on November 1. He requested that only the Golden Temple and Akal Takht be illuminated, advising against electrical decorations elsewhere and encouraging the use of symbolic ‘diyas’ instead.
29-Oct-2024
Faridkot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pragya Jain stated on October 29 that the police have yet to question jailed Khalistani preacher and Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh regarding the murder of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau, who was allegedly killed on his instructions in Faridkot district. She noted that new leads have emerged and plans are in place to interrogate Amritpal soon.
29-Oct-2024
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested Inspector Gurinder Singh, in charge of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, on October 29 while he was accepting a bribe of INR 1 lakh in Patiala, Punjab. Singh had allegedly demanded INR 3 lakh from a family, threatening to falsely implicate a member in a drug smuggling case. Acting on a complaint, the VB laid a trap and caught the inspector during the transaction in the presence of official witnesses. A case has been registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
29-Oct-2024
Wahabwala police on October 29 arrested an individual identified as Naveen Kumar and seized 34 kg of poppy husk from his possession in Wahabwala village, Abohar, in Fazilka district.
29-Oct-2024
Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police, in a joint operation on October 29, arrested two shooters backed by foreign handlers, identified as Bikramjit alias Vicky and Punjab Singh, and seized a white Hyundai Alcazar (PB 60 D 0036) car they were traveling in, in Lucknow, UP. The suspects, wanted in multiple murder cases in Punjab, had been staying in Lucknow under arrangements made by their handlers, and further recovery of the weapons used in these crimes is expected by the police.
29-Oct-2024
The family of 10-year-old spiritual influencer Abhinav Arora stated on October 29 that they received death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in Delhi. His mother, Jyoti Arora, shared that they received both a call and a message threatening Abhinav’s life, despite him only sharing devotional content.
28-Oct-2024
On October 28, the 179-member Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) House will vote to elect its president and office-bearers during a General House meeting at Teja Singh Samundari Hall in Amritsar district. The election is seen as a critical test of the SGPC's direction amid rising political tensions and competing claims for control, with both candidates advocating plans for greater autonomy and reforms within Sikh institutions.
28-Oct-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate Harjinder Singh Dhami was on October 28 re-elected as the president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for a fourth consecutive term in Amritsar. SAD leaders hailed the victory as a stand against “anti-Panth forces,” attributing it to the loyalty of SGPC members. Dhami pledged to prioritize Dharam Parchar with support from other Sikh organizations.
28-Oct-2024
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) President Harmeet Singh Kalka and General Secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon have recently urged the Sikh community to refrain from lighting diyas on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas this year. Given that these celebrations align with the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the DSGMC has decided not to light diyas in the gurdwaras under its management, calling on the community to honour the martyrs’ memory by observing a somber, reflective approach.
28-Oct-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued threats in a video message calling for boycotts of specific Air India routes - AI 187 and AI 189 (New Delhi to Toronto), AI 185 (New Delhi to Vancouver), AI 111 and AI 161 (New Delhi to London), AI 129 and AI 131 (Mumbai to London), AI 302 (New Delhi to Sydney), AI 308 (New Delhi to Melbourne), and AI 121 (New Delhi to Frankfurt). Pannun urged Sikhs to economically target India, advocating attacks on Air India and "Made in India" initiatives.
28-Oct-2024
Police on October 28 arrested Lovepreet Singh, an associate of Turkey-based drug smuggler Navpreet Singh alias Nav Bhullar, and seized 6 kg of heroin along with a Hyundai Aura car from his possession near Umranangal Morh village in Amritsar district.
28-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on October 28 recovered a plastic bottle containing 480 grams of heroin, along with a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone, from fields near Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district.
27-Oct-2024
Sriganganagar Police, acting on a tip-off from Delhi Police's Special Cell about potential threats linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, on October 27 conducted raids on several paying guest accommodations, detaining 20 individuals, including some from Jammu and Kashmir, for questioning in Sriganganagar district, Rajasthan. Authorities disclosed that five criminals associated with the Bishnoi gang had conducted reconnaissance to target Sunil Pehalwan, the nephew of former Member of Legislative Assembly Raj Kumar Gaur, and the Special Cell also recovered a GPS tracking device from a suspect linked to Arzoo Bishnoi, a former gang member now operating independently.
26-Oct-2024
The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing of the Punjab Police during an operation on October 26 arrested two associates of Turkey-based drug smuggler Navpreet Singh alias Nav Bhullar, identified as Navjot Singh and Lovepreet Kumar, and seized 105 kg of heroin, 31.93 kg of Caffeine Anhydrous, 17 kg of dextromethorphan (DMR), and six firearms, including five foreign-made pistols and one country-made pistol (desi katta) in Baba Bakala, Amritsar district. The operation was prompted by intelligence regarding Bhullar's Pakistan-backed smuggling racket, with drugs reportedly smuggled through the riverine belt along the Indo-Pak border. Further investigations are ongoing to trace the broader network involved in the cartel.
26-Oct-2024
On October 26, the Bambiha gang demonstrated a significant show of force as two assailants fired multiple rounds outside a businessman's residence in the Rani Bagh area of North West Delhi. A threat note referencing Kaushal Chaudhary and the Bambiha gang was found at the scene. While no extortion demands have been reported, police have launched an investigation to track down the perpetrators.
26-Oct-2024
Police on October 26 arrested four individuals, identified as Gurbhej Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Satinder Singh alias Kala, and Bharat alias Bhau, and seized 100 grams of heroin, 10 cartridges of 12 bore, and eight cartridges of 315 bore from their possession in Jalandhar district. The arrests are linked to cases of illegal arms possession, drug trafficking, and extortion, with authorities noting the group’s involvement in an active racket aimed at destabilizing law and order in the state. Gurbhej Singh is reportedly the chief of the Khalistani outfit Waris Punjab De (WPD) and serves as a personal gunman for jailed Khalistani preacher and MP Amritpal Singh.
26-Oct-2024
According to sources, Canada has yet to provide the death certificate of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, despite India’s request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reportedly requires the document to update court records in multiple cases against Nijjar, but Canada has instead asked for an explanation for the request.
26-Oct-2024
According to sources, investigation agencies remain puzzled a week after a blast struck a CRPF school in Rohini, North West Delhi. Despite questioning around 50 individuals and examining CCTV footage, no suspects have been identified, and no evidence suggests a Khalistan link. Technical assistance has yet to yield leads, and a senior official noted that the lack of clues is stalling progress in the case.
26-Oct-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, speaking at an event in Pune on October 26, criticized Canada for fostering a "permissive atmosphere" that overlooks organized crime, asserting that India's repeated concerns over criminal activities linked to pro-Khalistan elements were ignored. Jaishankar condemned the Canadian government’s actions against Indian diplomats, calling them unjustified, and emphasized that India would resolutely defend its national interests and sovereignty.
26-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 26 recovered a packet of heroin weighing approximately 550 grams, along with a broken China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone, near Dhanoe Kalan village in Amritsar district.
26-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 26 recovered a broken drone near Uttar Dhariwal village in Amritsar district.
26-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 26 recovered a packet of heroin weighing around 510 grams and a drone, near Roranwala Khurd village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
26-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on October 26 recovered a drone from fields near Wan village in Patti in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a China-made DJI Mavic 3 Classic model.
25-Oct-2024
Fazilka police, In the past week, arrested five individuals allegedly involved in supplying arms to Lawrence Bishnoi gang members, identified as Manpreet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Akash, Jaspreet, and Avinash (alias Gagan), and seized four .32 bore pistols, 13 cartridges, and three magazines from their possession in Fazilka district. The arrests took place sequentially, with Manpreet Singh apprehended on October 15, followed by Sandeep Singh on October 18, Akash and Jaspreet on October 19, and Avinash on October 25.