KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
21-Oct-2024
The Delhi High Court on October 21 admitted an appeal by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the acquittal of former Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sajjan Kumar and others in a murder and rioting case linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The court granted 'leave to appeal' against the trial court's September 20, 2023 decision, which had acquitted Kumar on the grounds of benefit of doubt.
20-Oct-2024
Police on October 20 arrested a man, identified as Rinku and seized 130 grams of heroin and INR 17,000 in drug money from his possession in Ludhiana district. Rinku, who has a prior criminal record, had recently been released on bail in a drug smuggling case and had resumed his illegal activities.
20-Oct-2024
The Ludhiana police on October 20 arrested a man identified as Navjot Singh alias Bablu and seized 220 grams of heroin from his possession, in Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. The police plan to seek his remand to further investigate the drug supply chain.
20-Oct-2024
Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, in an interview with Canada-based CTV News on October 20, expressed concerns about Canada's handling of relations with India, citing mistrust towards Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his team. He accused them of encouraging Khalistan separatists, whom he referred to as 'deep assets' of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Verma also highlighted that no evidence had been shared regarding allegations linking India to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and questioned the political independence of Canadian police, while emphasizing that Canada remains a friend of India despite the strained political ties.
20-Oct-2024
A strong blast occurred at a CRPF school in Rohini, North West Delhi, on October 20, prompting a multi-agency investigation. Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Delhi Police have been deployed to determine the cause of the explosion and identify the perpetrators. Authorities are probing a potential Khalistani link, spurred by social media posts claiming the blast was in retaliation against the alleged targeting of pro-Khalistan separatists by Indian agents.
20-Oct-2024
A three-member advisory board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) recently ordered the one-year detention of Ludhiana drug lords Akshay Chhabra, Jaspal Singh alias Goldy, and Balwinder Singh alias Billa Havellian in Dibrugarh jail, Assam. This decision follows their involvement in a massive 20,400 kg heroin smuggling racket spanning Punjab, Gujarat’s Mundra port, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Afghanistan.
20-Oct-2024
Zirakpur police on October 20 arrested three members of a Haryana-based gang, identified as Gagandeep Singh alias Fauji, Mahesh Sharma, and Rahul Vaid, seizing a .32 bore (Llama-Spain) pistol, a 30 bore (Px6-Italy made) pistol, 22 live cartridges, and a stolen bike from their possession in Zirakpur, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. The accused were involved in a recent jewelry shop robbery in Lohgarh village, SAS Nagar district, and planned to use the stolen money to buy automatic weapons to eliminate a rival gang leader.
20-Oct-2024
The Jalandhar police thwarted three possible target killings on October 20 with the arrest of five operatives of the Bambiha-Kaushal gang, identified as Jaspreet Singh alias Jassa, Harshdeep Singh, Shekhar, Gagandeep Singh alias Ginni Bajwa, and Amit Sahota and seizing eight pistols, one revolver, and 15 live cartridges from their possession in Jalandhar district. Investigations revealed that Gurbhej Singh, a close aide of jailed Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, provided logistical support to the accused.
19-Oct-2024
The Nakodar Sadar police arrested a drug peddler identified as Ismayal on October 19 and seized 110 intoxicating tablets from his possession in Nakodar Sadar, Jalandhar district.
19-Oct-2024
Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) staff of Amritsar city police on October 19 arrested an individual identified as Akashdeep Singh alias Akash and seized 209 grams of heroin from his possession in Amritsar in Amristar district.
19-Oct-2024
According to official sources, Ottawa has been pressuring New Delhi over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar but has refused to share his death certificate with Indian agencies, a legal requirement for criminal proceedings. Despite India’s repeated requests, Canada has not provided any evidence to support its allegations against Indian officials.
19-Oct-2024
Tarsem Singh, father of jailed Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, on October 19 questioned the police's claim that his son was involved in the murder of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau. He demanded an investigation by a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, contesting the allegations as an attempt at 'character assassination' due to Amritpal's election victory.
19-Oct-2024
According to sources, Vikas Yadav, who has been indicted by United States (US) prosecutors for allegedly orchestrating a failed plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, was arrested by Delhi Police in December 2023 on charges of attempted murder and kidnapping. Yadav, who is no longer a government employee, faces charges of conspiracy to hire a hitman, murder-for-hire, and money laundering.
18-Oct-2024
Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailesh Kumar Pandey on October 18 suspended three policemen—Sub-Inspector Ramsanehi, Head Constable Vipin Kumar, and Constable Sanjay Kumar—for negligence after videos surfaced showing Yogesh alias Raju, a sharpshooter from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, interacting with reporters while in custody in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (UP). In the viral videos, Yogesh made statements about the recent killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, alleging his connections with criminal Dawood Ibrahim.
18-Oct-2024
Pathankot Counter Intelligence and Gurdaspur Police, in a joint operation on October 18, arrested an unidentified drug smuggler linked to Pakistan-based operatives and seized 1.350 kg of heroin from his possession in Pathankot, Pathankot district.
18-Oct-2024
According to reports, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has demanded INR 5 crore from Bollywood actor Salman Khan, with the Mumbai Traffic Police receiving a WhatsApp message threatening to kill him if the ransom is not paid. The message states, 'If Salman Khan wants to stay alive and end the long-standing rivalry, then pay Rs 5 crore; don’t take this threat lightly; otherwise, the actor will end up worse than former Maharashtra Chief Minister Baba Siddiqui, who was recently shot dead by the Bishnoi gang’.
17-Oct-2024
The Punjab Police on October 17 named jailed Khalistani preacher and Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh, along with Canada-based Karamveer Gora and gangster-terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, in connection with the October 9 killing of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh in Faridkot, Punjab. The police revealed that Gora and Dalla were the handlers of the four shooters involved in the murder, which was allegedly orchestrated by Amritpal Singh. The police have arrested three individuals linked to the reconnaissance for the crime and are conducting a manhunt for the remaining shooters.
17-Oct-2024
Police on October 17 arrested two members of a gang of miscreants, identified as Yusuf alias Kalia, and Ashu Verma alias Walia, and seized three mobile phones snatched from different victims along with a motorcycle from their possession, in Malerkotla in Malerkotla district. Police revealed that the suspects were arrested following a complaint by Usman Ali, who alleged they threatened him with sharp weapons to snatch his smartphone. Preliminary investigations revealed that both suspects have criminal records and are involved in drug peddling, while their accomplices are still unidentified.
17-Oct-2024
According to intelligence sources, Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in Surrey, Canada, played a key role in Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s strategy to retain Sikh support ahead of upcoming elections. Nijjar, a top leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) with ties to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), had over 10 FIRs filed against him in Punjab and was actively involved in radicalizing youth for terror activities.
17-Oct-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed on October 17 that 26 extradition requests, including those for hardcore Khalistani extremists like Gurjeet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, and Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, have been pending with the Canadian government for over a decade. Despite sharing security-related information, India has seen no action from Canada. He also expressed concerns over attacks on Indian-origin journalists reporting on Khalistani extremism and criticized the Canadian government's inaction regarding the vandalism of Hindu temples.
17-Oct-2024
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in New Delhi on October 17, 2024, criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his "cavalier" handling of the diplomatic fallout following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Jaiswal reiterated that Canada has provided no evidence to support its allegations against India, holding Trudeau responsible for the deterioration in bilateral relations.
17-Oct-2024
On October 17, leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) reform movement and members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) expressed deep resentment over the resignation of Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, calling it a dark day for the Sikh Panth in Chandigarh. Prominent SGPC members, including Manjit Singh, Surinder Singh Bhulewal, Gurmeet Singh Tilokewala, Kuldeep Kaur Tohra, Paramjit Kaur Landran, Mahinder Singh Hussainpur, Satwinder Singh Tohra, Master Mithu Singh Kahneke, and Jarnail Singh Kartarpur, urged the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) to take strict action against individuals issuing threats to the Jathedar.
17-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) on October 17 recovered a shipment containing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along with RDX, batteries, and timers near Bahadurkae village in Abohar, Fazilka district. The shipment was reportedly delivered via drone from Pakistan.
17-Oct-2024
The Border Security Force (BSF), in a joint operation with Punjab Police on October 17, arrested two unidentified narco-smugglers and recovered one packet of heroin, along with a smartphone and a motorcycle, from the Kassowal Bulge area adjacent to the Ravi River in Gurdaspur district, Punjab.
17-Oct-2024
Navi Mumbai police on October 17 revealed that they arrested a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Sukhbir Balbir Singh, alias Sukha, from Panipat in Haryana. Singh was contracted to carry out the assassination of Bollywood actor Salman Khan and was reportedly in contact with a Pakistan-based handler, planning to execute the assassination using weapons sourced from Pakistan. The police will also interrogate him regarding the recent murder of politician Baba Siddique, which is linked to the Bishnoi gang.
17-Oct-2024
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami stated in Amritsar on October 17 that the resignation submitted by Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh has been outrightly rejected. This decision follows the directives of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, who expressed solidarity with Giani Harpreet Singh and warned that all Takht Jathedars would resign if the resignation were accepted. Dhami assured that the SGPC stands with Giani Harpreet Singh and will prioritize addressing his concerns.
16-Oct-2024
On October 16, Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh resigned, citing mental agony due to alleged threats from former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha, in Amritsar, Punjab. Giani Harpreet Singh stated that he could no longer bear the responsibility under such mental pressure, claiming he had received threatening calls targeting his family. Valtoha denied the allegations, suggesting that Giani Harpreet Singh was the victim of a conspiracy and challenged him to provide proof of his claims.
16-Oct-2024
The Health Department on October 16 seized intoxicant drugs, including 4,400 capsules of pregabalin and 4,200 capsules of gabapentin, from a medical store in the Katra Sher Singh market in Amritsar district. The seized drugs are valued at INR 14.80 lakh.
16-Oct-2024
Police on October 16 arrested six unidentified accomplices of the gang of deceased gangster Ashok Rathi and seized four pistols, a revolver, five magazines, and 35 live cartridges from their possession in Gurugram, Haryana. The suspects were allegedly plotting a kidnapping and robbery after their extortion demands from the Earth Movers Company went unanswered.
16-Oct-2024
Following Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau’s admission before the foreign interference inquiry that his allegation of Indian officials' involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was based on intelligence rather than evidence, Indian government sources criticized Trudeau for making public accusations without proof, stating that his actions had damaged relations between India and Canada. The sources added that, despite multiple requests from India for evidence, none has been provided.
16-Oct-2024
According to sources, when Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau appears before the commission investigating foreign interference, he may adopt a narrative similar to the 'good Taliban, bad Taliban' rhetoric, this time framing it around Khalistanis. A report from May 2024 indicated that India does not distinguish between lawful supporters of Khalistan and those engaging in violence, viewing all associated with the movement as a potential seditious threat.
15-Oct-2024
A Punjab Police inquiry recommended the cancellation of a First Information Report (FIR) related to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's second TV interview, though it concluded that he had engaged in criminal intimidation, classified as a non-cognisable offence, in a submission at a Mohali court in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, Punjab. The inquiry found no evidence of extortion or withholding information from the police.
15-Oct-2024
According to official sources, Canada has yet to provide concrete evidence to support its claims of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau's accusations and statements from Canadian law enforcement, India has dismissed these claims as baseless, labelling them as politically motivated.
15-Oct-2024
On October 15, hours after receiving a stern rebuke from the Akal Takht, senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha resigned from the party's primary membership in a video posted on Facebook. In the video, Valtoha stated, 'I humbly accept the order of the Sikh clergy as a devout Sikh,' and clarified that his resignation was voluntary to prevent placing the SAD leadership in a difficult position regarding the clergy's directive.
15-Oct-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) informed the Supreme Court (SC) on October 15 that operatives of the banned Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), based in the United States (US) and Canada, orchestrated the murder of Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a Shaurya Chakra awardee and teacher in Punjab, in 2020. In an affidavit opposing bail for two co-accused, the agency identified Canada-based KLF operative Sunny Toronto and Pakistan-based terrorist Lakhbir Singh, alias Rode, as the masterminds behind the killing.
15-Oct-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) was informed on October 15 that appropriate action had been initiated against delinquent officials, nearly 10 months after gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's in-custody interview, which glorified crime and criminals. The court was told that misconduct, negligence, and dereliction of duty by the concerned officials had been reported to the Punjab government.
14-Oct-2024
The Punjab Police stated on October 14 that Mohammad Yasin Akhtar, a suspect in the killing of former Minister Ziauddin Abdul Rahim alias Baba Siddique, is facing nine serious criminal cases, including murder and attempted murder, in Jalandhar district. Akhtar, a resident of Shankar village in Jalandhar district, is also suspected of having links with gangster Vikram Brar.
14-Oct-2024
According to sources, to combat the rampant drug menace in Sangrur, police have established 414 village defence committees (VDCs) since August 2024 and registered over 50 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Additionally, a ‘Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline’ has been launched to allow locals to anonymously report drug smuggling activities, enhancing community involvement in the fight against drugs. In the past week (October 6-12), 17 cases were registered, resulting in 18 arrests, alongside efforts to educate the youth about the dangers of drug use.
14-Oct-2024
On October 14, India withdrew six diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, from Canada, citing concerns over the safety of its diplomats. This move followed Canada’s earlier expulsion of six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, linking them to the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and accusing India of targeting dissidents.
14-Oct-2024
The Indian government on October 14 ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler, giving them until October 19 to leave the country. This move came hours after India withdrew six diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, from Canada, citing concerns over the safety of its diplomats, following Canada’s expulsion of six Indian diplomats. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had claimed that Indian diplomats were linked to organized crime and violent acts targeting the South Asian community, further escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
14-Oct-2024
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on October 14 issued a statement accusing the Canadian High Commission of advancing the political agenda of the Trudeau government and asserting India’s right to take necessary actions in response to Canada’s accusations linking Indian diplomats to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The MEA also defended Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, calling Canada’s allegations 'ludicrous,' and criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his long-standing hostility towards India, referencing incidents from his 2018 visit. Additionally, the MEA condemned Canada’s failure to act on extradition requests for known terrorists, highlighting a concerning approach to national security.
14-Oct-2024
According to sources, incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is serving time for multiple crimes, has orchestrated several high-profile killings, including that of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, while attempting to extend his gang's influence into Bollywood, mirroring Dawood Ibrahim's operations. With a network of over 700 members, Bishnoi continues to control a violent criminal enterprise from behind bars.
14-Oct-2024
According to official sources, incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who has been implicated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in multiple high-profile cases, including his connections to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and arms smuggling from Pakistan, continues to run an extensive syndicate through henchmen and sharpshooters across several states in North and Western India. The NIA has linked him to various criminal activities, including extortion and a recent RPG attack in Mohali, while also seizing properties associated with his gang under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
14-Oct-2024
According to official sources, incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang, which claimed responsibility for the murder of former Minister Ziauddin Abdul Rahim alias Baba Siddique, and operates in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, are expanding their reach into Maharashtra, using social media to recruit new members. Lawrence Bishnoi's brother, Anmol Bishnoi, oversees the gang's activities from the United States (US) and Canada.
13-Oct-2024
According to sources, India has firmly conveyed to Canada that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cannot make unsubstantiated allegations against the Modi government regarding the murder of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar without evidence. India criticized Trudeau for issuing political directives to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), as discrepancies remain between Trudeau's allegations and the RCMP's ongoing investigation.
13-Oct-2024
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on October 13 summoned Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Virsa Singh Valtoha for alleging on social media that the Sikh clergy was under pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to decide against SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Valtoha has been asked to appear before the Akal Takht in Amritsar on October 15 with evidence to support his claims.
13-Oct-2024
Amid ongoing controversy over an inappropriate video that surfaced in 2023, a couple has appealed to the Akal Takht for protection after facing objections from Nihang groups. The couple was criticized for posting 'indecent' videos on social media, which the Nihang groups argued violated Sikh principles.
13-Oct-2024
According to Mumbai Police sources, a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique. On October 13, police arrested two suspects, Gurmail Baljit Singh from Haryana and another individual from Uttar Pradesh (UP), and seized two pistols and 28 live cartridges from their possession, while a third suspect remains at large. Police have formed 15 teams to track down any logistical support for the shooters. Siddique was shot dead on the night of October 12.
13-Oct-2024
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) highlighting the gang's operations as similar to those of Dawood Ibrahim's D-Company. The NIA's chargesheet, which includes 16 gangsters, reveals that the Bishnoi gang has expanded to over 700 shooters, with significant ties to Punjab. Initially involved in petty crimes, the gang has now formed alliances across North India, including Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, and is recruiting young people by enticing them with promises of relocation abroad. Notably, Khalistani terrorist Harvinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda is reportedly using Bishnoi's shooters for targeted killings in Punjab.
13-Oct-2024
Ludhiana police intercepted a drug-smuggling operation orchestrated by a woman from Odisha, identified as Phulsi Devi, who exploited a newly launched shipping company to transport concealed cannabis across Himachal Pradesh (HP), Haryana, and Punjab and seized 7.95 kilograms of cannabis from a parcel destined for Ludhiana in Ludhiana district. A case has been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act against Phulsi, the owner of St Meirj Logistics, and her associate Raj Kumar. The operation came to light after the shipping company alerted police about Phulsi’s suspicious activities, linked to previous illegal drug shipments in Odisha.