KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
25-Oct-2024
The Punjab state Home Department on October 25 suspended seven Punjab Police personnel—Deputy Superintendents (DSPs) Gursher Singh Sandhu and Sammer Vaneet, Sub-Inspectors Reena, Jagatpal Jangu, Shaganjit Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mukhtiar Singh, and Head Constable Om Parkash—for allegedly facilitating a televised interview with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while in custody.
25-Oct-2024
The Punjab state Home Department on October 25 suspended seven Punjab Police personnel—Deputy Superintendents (DSPs) Gursher Singh Sandhu and Sammer Vaneet, Sub-Inspectors Reena, Jagatpal Jangu, Shaganjit Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Mukhtiar Singh, and Head Constable Om Parkash—for allegedly facilitating a televised interview with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while in custody.
25-Oct-2024
Kapurthala police on October 25 arrested two members of the Kaushal Chaudhary gang, identified as Munish alias Mani, and Lalit Kumar, in connection with a firing incident at a mobile phone store in Kapurthala on October 7, seizing two country-made pistols and seven live rounds from them in Dudholo village, Palwal district, Haryana.
25-Oct-2024
India’s recalled High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, recently asserted in an interview with ANI that only a small fraction of Canadian Sikhs support Khalistani separatism. He urged that if Canada sympathizes with such individuals, it should allocate land within Canada for a “Khalistan.” Verma emphasized that while these extremists represent a Canadian domestic issue, any attempts to threaten India’s territorial integrity would prompt intervention from Indian authorities. He also clarified that the broader Sikh diaspora in Canada largely seeks a peaceful, family-oriented life and contributes positively to society.
25-Oct-2024
Former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Amarinder Singh, while addressing reporters in Ludhiana on October 25, criticized Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau for “ruining” India-Canada relations, alleging that Trudeau’s focus is solely on securing Sikh votes by aligning with Khalistani supporters. Singh recounted Trudeau’s 2018 India visit, during which he reluctantly met Singh, highlighting Trudeau’s support for figures linked to Khalistani sympathies.
25-Oct-2024
India’s recalled High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, recently recounted an alarming incident in Alberta during an interview with ANI, where Khalistani assailants came within inches of harming him with a sword, rather than a kirpan, while he attended a business event with his wife. Verma condemned the Khalistani agitators for threatening peace-loving Indo-Canadians, noting the intervention of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Despite the strained India-Canada relations, Verma emphasized his hope for restoring ties between the two countries.
25-Oct-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of INR 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, who has been named in two chargesheets under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Anmol is wanted for his involvement in criminal networks, including incidents linked to a political party and a shooting outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence. The NIA believes his arrest could expose broader “Gangster-Terror” connections and has appealed to the public for assistance in its crackdown on organized crime and terror activities across India.
25-Oct-2024
The Delhi Police's Special Cell on October 25 arrested seven shooters associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Ritesh Kumar, Sukhram Singh, Sahil Bishnoi, Amar Singh, Badal, Parmod, and Sandeep, and seized six firearms and 24 cartridges from their possession across four states: Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. The arrests follow the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) recent announcement of an INR 10 lakh reward for information leading to the capture of Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol, implicated in a shooting outside actor Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence. Lawrence Bishnoi, currently imprisoned in Sabarmati Jail, Gujarat, is also a prime suspect in the high-profile Sidhu Moose Wala murder case.
25-Oct-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami on October 25 in Amritsar expressed gratitude upon being announced as a candidate for the position of president in the annual election of office-bearers. Dhami also strongly condemned what he described as "mischievous conspiracies" by anti-Panth forces attempting to take control of the Sikh body under government influence
25-Oct-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently investigating six cases involving designated Khalistani terrorist and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. As part of its crackdown, the NIA has attached three of Pannun's properties in Chandigarh and seized multiple land parcels in Amritsar linked to him. This investigation underscores the agency's focus on dismantling terror networks, with the NIA maintaining a conviction rate of 95.13 percent. Recently, searches at four locations in Punjab resulted in the seizure of various incriminating materials, including digital devices. Pannun, designated a terrorist in India, holds both United States (US) and Canadian citizenship.
25-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 25 arrested three unidentified persons and recovered 3.16 kg of heroin along with two pistols and an empty magazine from his possession near Naushera Dhalla village in Tarn Taran district.
25-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on October 25 recovered a packet of heroin weighing 279.8 grams from near Wan village in Tarn Taran district.
25-Oct-2024
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and the Gurdaspur police in a joint operation on October 25 arrested notorious smuggler Avtar Singh Tari under the Preventive Detention of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, from Shahoor Kalan village in Kalanaur in Gurdaspur district.
25-Oct-2024
The Mumbai crime branch, in collaboration with the Ludhiana crime branch, on October 25 arrested Sujit Kumar, an associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, in connection with the Baba Siddiqui murder case in Ludhiana district. A joint team conducted the raid, and following his arrest, Kumar was taken to the Jamalpur police station before being flown to Mumbai for further investigation.
24-Oct-2024
The Ludhiana court of Additional Sessions Judge Shiv Mohan Garg on October 24 acquitted drug lord Ranjit Singh alias Raja Kandola, and his accomplice Gurnam Singh in a 2017 drug case in Ludhiana district. The Punjab Police had alleged that Kandola facilitated heroin smuggling while in custody; however, the court cited insufficient evidence to support these claims.
24-Oct-2024
Punjab Police on October 24 arrested two unidentified individuals following an encounter in the Diamond Avenue area of Amritsar. Gunshots were exchanged during the encounter, injuring one of the accused. The police revealed that the arrests were linked to an inter-gang rivalry incident involving gunfire on October 18-19, during which two pistols, including a Glock 9mm and a .32 bore pistol with 13 rounds, were seized. Two additional suspects from the same gang are still being pursued.
24-Oct-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on October 24 arrested Baljeet Singh alias Baljeet Maur, an absconding close associate of designated terrorist Arshdeep Singh Dalla alias Arsh Dalla of the Khalistan Terrorist Force (KTF), at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi. Singh, who had arrived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was wanted in connection with terror activities linked to the proscribed KTF and had a non-bailable warrant against him since June 2024. NIA investigations revealed that he played a significant role in providing logistical support, identifying extortion targets, and recruiting new members for the KTF's conspiracy to instigate terror in Punjab.
24-Oct-2024
India’s recalled High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, on October 24 criticized Canada’s handling of bilateral relations, describing it as "the pits" and highly unprofessional. He expressed disappointment over Canada’s tolerance toward a small but vocal Khalistani faction, which he described as being involved in criminal activities like gun-running and human trafficking. Verma emphasized that Canada’s actions felt like a “backstab” in an otherwise productive relationship, stressing the need for professionalism given the significant Indo-Canadian diaspora and shared democratic values.
24-Oct-2024
India’s recalled High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, revealed in an interview on October 24 that Canada had unexpectedly removed notorious gangster Goldy Brar from its wanted list. Verma explained that India had previously shared the names of Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi with Canadian authorities, who initially placed Brar on the list but later removed him without prior notice.
24-Oct-2024
India’s recalled High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, on October 24 advised Indian students in Canada to stay vigilant against potential radicalization efforts by Khalistani extremists. Verma highlighted that these groups offer financial incentives to students, encouraging them to join protests or seek asylum under false pretexts. He also urged parents to maintain close communication with their children in Canada to help guide them away from such influences.
24-Oct-2024
Geostrategist Brahma Chellaney, in an interview with India Today on October 24, criticized Canada’s role as a hub for the Khalistan militant movement, pointing to its lenient asylum policies toward Indian militants despite repeated warnings. Chellaney also condemned Canada’s inaction in the Air India bombing case, describing it as a significant failure of international justice.
24-Oct-2024
Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, stated in Amritsar that Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has been barred from participating in any political activities, including campaigning for the upcoming assembly by-elections. This decision, based on Sukhbir's designation as 'tankhaiya' for past misconduct, prevents him from contesting the Gidderbaha by-election, with the nomination deadline set for October 25.
24-Oct-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, via a video message, called for a shutdown of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) schools on October 26. He linked his statements to a recent blast outside a CRPF school in Rohini, Delhi, which was claimed by the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF). Pannun also offered a USD 1 million reward for advance intelligence on Union Home Minister Amit Shah's foreign trips. Additionally, he accused former CRPF officials of human rights abuses against Sikhs and urged students and parents to boycott CRPF schools due to alleged atrocities committed during events such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
24-Oct-2024
Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Anil Sarin announced on October 24 the expulsion of former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Satkar Kaur Gehri from the party’s primary membership following her arrest in a drug peddling case. Kaur and her nephew were arrested by the Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).
23-Oct-2024
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Chandigarh Police on October 23 arrested a notorious drug peddler identified as Bala alias "drug queen," and seized 1.8 grams of heroin and INR 5 lakh in cash from him in Chandigarh. Bala, aged 62, has a lengthy criminal history spanning 32 years, involving 34 cases, with 17 convictions and 15 acquittals, including charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
23-Oct-2024
Amritsar City Police on October 23 arrested three drug peddlers, identified as Jagroop Singh, Jagjit Singh and Jashanpreet Singh and seized 2.15 kg of heroin from their possession in Chheharta Sahib in Amritsar district.
23-Oct-2024
According to sources, pro-Khalistan elements in Canada and the United States (US) have been operating "control rooms" to coordinate targeted killings and terror strikes in states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) found that these centres, located in South America and Spain, were set up to evade Indian surveillance. Initially established by criminal gangs led by figures like Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, these control rooms later aligned with pro-Khalistan groups, resulting in their booking under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
23-Oct-2024
According to sources, Vikash Yadav, accused of plotting to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is currently on the run, with both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Delhi Police actively searching for him. If Yadav is arrested in India, he will first face legal proceedings for domestic charges; however, a potential extradition request from the United States (US) could complicate matters. The India-US extradition treaty requires compelling evidence for extradition. Additionally, Interpol may issue a Red Notice, further restricting Yadav's movements and increasing his chances of arrest abroad.
23-Oct-2024
The Delhi High Court dismissed three appeals related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which were filed 27 to 36 years after the accused were acquitted. The court noted a delay of over 13,000 days in filing these appeals, emphasizing that while it recognizes the tragic loss of life during the riots, such delays cannot be condoned. This ruling sets a precedent for at least ten other similar cases, with the court underscoring that similar appeals had previously been rejected.
23-Oct-2024
According to sources, India has not appealed Interpol's rejection of a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), due to insufficient evidence. Interpol previously denied two requests for the RCN, citing a lack of adequate evidence and concerns that the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act might be used to target minorities.
23-Oct-2024
Police on October 23 arrested former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Ferozepur (Rural), Satkar Kaur Gehri, and her nephew, Jaskeerat Singh, seizing 138 grams of heroin and INR 1.56 lakh in cash from their possession in Kharar, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district.
23-Oct-2024
The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police, on October 23, busted an inter-state gang involved in opium smuggling by arresting Bablu and Akash Kumar and seizing 2 kg of opium from their possession near Bhagat Singh Colony in Jalandhar district.
23-Oct-2024
On October 23, a former sarpanch and commission agent identified as Gurdeep Singha was shot dead by four unidentified assailants at the grain market in Sathiala village in Baba Bakala in Amritsar district.
23-Oct-2024
According to sources, Vikash Yadav, accused by a United States (US) court of conspiring to murder Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is absconding after being granted bail by an Indian court. Previously arrested in Delhi on charges of extortion and kidnapping following a local businessman's complaint, Yadav is now on the FBI's most wanted list and is being actively pursued by both US and Indian agencies.
22-Oct-2024
A group of shopkeepers, whose families have carried on trades since the time of Guru Ram Das, expressed disappointment after being overlooked by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for invitations to the Guru’s birth anniversary celebrations in Amritsar, Punjab. These traders, whose ancestors were originally invited to help establish the holy city, were last recognized by the SGPC in 2018, but the tradition of inviting them has since been discontinued. Many feel neglected despite their deep historical connections to the city’s foundation.
22-Oct-2024
According to official sources, Delhi Police have written to Telegram seeking information about a handle that posted a message claiming responsibility for a blast near the CRPF School in Rohini, North West Delhi. A post on the Telegram channel ‘Justice League India’ claimed the explosion was in retaliation for actions against pro-Khalistan separatists; however, no substantial evidence has linked any terrorist group to the incident. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities reportedly close to arresting suspects believed to have planted a homemade explosive at the site.
21-Oct-2024
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, speaking at an event on October 21 at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) headquarters in Jalandhar district, revealed that nearly 80% of extortion calls are made by local criminals posing as gangsters, while only 20% are linked to actual gangsters. He urged citizens to report such crimes and directed police officials to convert complaints into First Information Reports (FIRs). Yadav also paid tribute to the 1,799 Punjab Police personnel who have sacrificed their lives since September 1981.
21-Oct-2024
Police on October 21 arrested a gangster from the Devinder Bambiha gang, identified as Arshdeep Singh, and seized two .32 bore pistols and a country-made .30 bore pistol from his possession in Moga district. During interrogation, Arshdeep disclosed that foreign-based gangster Lucky Patiyal, associated with the Bambiha gang, had arranged the weapons and sent two unidentified shooters to Moga, who managed to flee before Arshdeep's arrest.
21-Oct-2024
Moga Police on October 21 arrested three members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Gurpreet Singh, Gobind Singh and Ramjit Singh, and seized three country-made .32 bore pistols from their possession in Moga in Moga district.
21-Oct-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on October 21 filed a chargesheet against Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, a key associate of Khalistani terrorists Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda and Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, in the NIA special court in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district. Gurpreet was involved in a conspiracy by the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) to spread terror in Punjab and was linked to an RPG attack on the Sarhali police station in December 2022. Gopi also conspired to raise funds for BKI through large-scale extortion from businessmen, recruited youth for the terror module, and conducted reconnaissance on targets identified by Landa.
21-Oct-2024
Ludhiana (Rural) Police on October 21 arrested a migrant labourer from Bihar, identified as Ram Parvesh Chaudhary, and seized 1 kg of marijuana (ganja) from his possession near Sarabha village in Ludhiana West, Ludhiana district.
21-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) troops on October 21 recovered one packet heroin weighing 567 grams along with a drone, from near Kalia village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a China made DJI Air 3 model.
21-Oct-2024
Kshatriya Karna Sena chief Raj Shekhawat, in a video statement on October 21, offered INR 1,11,11,111 to any police official who kills gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in an encounter. Shekhawat criticized both the Gujarat and central governments, citing Bishnoi's alleged involvement in the 2023 murder of former Karni Sena chief Sukh Singh Gogamedi. Shekhawat's organization also pledged to ensure the safety of the police officer's family who successfully eliminates Bishnoi.
21-Oct-2024
A Khalistani group, Justice League India, claimed responsibility via a Telegram post on October 21 for the blast that occurred near the CRPF school in Rohini, North West Delhi. The post circulated online included a clip of the blast with a 'Khalistan Zindabad' watermark at the bottom, along with a warning of further attacks.
21-Oct-2024
Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, while speaking in New Delhi on October 21, criticized the Canadian government for its double standards in handling pro-Khalistan activities and the Hardeep Singh Nijjar row. He condemned Canada’s use of 'freedom of speech' as a defense when India raised concerns about threats to its diplomats. Jaishankar also referenced historical tensions, including the 1985 Air India bombing.
21-Oct-2024
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, issued a new threat to Air India via a video on October 21, warning passengers not to travel between November 1 and 19. His threat coincides with what he refers to as the '40th anniversary of the Sikh genocide' in India. Pannun’s warning suggests the possibility of an attack on Air India's flights and follows a pattern, as he issued a similar threat last year.
21-Oct-2024
Intelligence reports reveal that Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, operates freely despite his connections to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and involvement in anti-India activities. These reports indicate that Pannun, with Pakistani support, founded the SFJ and launched separatist movements such as the Kashmir Khalistan Referendum Front (KKRF). Despite clear links to Pakistan's efforts to destabilize India, countries like the United States (US) and Canada have taken little action against Pannun and his associates, allowing them to continue promoting separatist agendas.
21-Oct-2024
According to sources, on the eve of Sidhu Moose Wala's first death anniversary, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, accused of his murder, claimed to be a nationalist and opposed to Khalistan, while his associate Goldy Brar sought validation from Khalistani militant sympathisers. Brar criticised Moose Wala for his political affiliations and attempted to justify the murder by linking him to Operation Blue Star. However, Brar’s efforts to regain favour after Moose Wala’s death have failed, and his whereabouts remain uncertain, with conflicting reports suggesting he could be in the United States (US) or Canada.
21-Oct-2024
Youth Akali Dal (YAD) President Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer, in Chandigarh on October 21, urged the Sikh Panth to unite against efforts to suppress and take over Panthic organizations, particularly the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). He claimed that anti-Panthic forces, backed by Delhi agencies, are attempting to dismantle Sikh institutions, starting with Takht Patna Sahib, Takht Hazoor Sahib, and various Gurdwara Committees, and are now targeting the SGPC.
21-Oct-2024
Border Security Force (BSF) troops, in coordination with Punjab Police, on October 21 arrested an unidentified individual and seized 530 grams of heroin along with a broken mobile phone from his possession near Kaholi village in Ajnala, Amritsar district. The accused is currently in police custody, undergoing interrogation to determine any potential links with Pakistan-based narco-smugglers.