KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
24-Jul-2024
Actor Manjot Singh, known for his comedic roles in films like Fukrey and Dream Girl, expressed his desire to break stereotypes about Sikh actors in the industry. Highlighting the success of Diljit Dosanjh, Singh emphasized that Sikhs should not be typecast into light-hearted roles and can portray serious characters as well. He shared his personal journey of challenging the industry's perceptions and his satisfaction with the positive reception of his recent authoritative role in Wild Wild Punjab.
24-Jul-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on July 24 submitted a written explanation to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, addressing allegations made by rebel SAD leaders, in person at the Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab. The rebel SAD leaders had accused Badal of various failures during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, including mishandling the 2007 blasphemy case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Bargari sacrilege case, and police firings in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan. The Akal Takht had summoned Badal for clarification, asserting that he did not represent Panthic sentiments.
24-Jul-2024
Punjab Police and Army personnel conducted a search operation in Pathankot district on July 24 after a woman reported seeing seven suspicious men in Fangtoli village. A sketch of one suspect was released, and authorities maintained a high alert.
24-Jul-2024
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit announced cash prizes for drug-free villages on July 24 in Amritsar, while emphasizing the need for strict action against drug smugglers and peddlers following his visit to the state's border districts. Purohit also addressed the issue of drug and weapon smuggling from Pakistan, urging public vigilance and cooperation. He highlighted the importance of securing border districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar, and praised the coordination between security agencies in combating the drug menace.
24-Jul-2024
A team from the Wahabwala police station on July 24 arrested a drug peddler identified as Navneet Garg and seized 20 kg of poppy husk from his possession in Abohar, Fazilka district. The police revealed that the poppy husk was smuggled from Sadulshehar in Sriganganagar district, Rajasthan.
24-Jul-2024
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA-1) of the Police on July 24 arrested three drug peddlers, identified as Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, Kuljinder Singh and Jodhbir Singh alias Jodha, and seized 500 grams of heroin and .32 bore pistol from their possession, in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
24-Jul-2024
Gate Hakima police on July 24 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Abhishek Kumar and seized 508 grams of heroin from his possession in Amritsar in Amritsar district.
24-Jul-2024
The Police on July 24 arrested a drug peddler, identified as Sukhdev Singh alias Manga and seized 567 grams of heroin from his possession in Chheharta Sahib in Amritsar district.
24-Jul-2024
According to reports, Bollywood actor Salman Khan has informed the police that he believes the Lawrence Bishnoi gang was responsible for a firing incident at his residence in April, which was intended to kill him and his family. In his statement, Khan recounted hearing a gunshot-like sound and learning from his bodyguard about the attack. The gang later confessed to the attack on social media, and Khan noted previous threats and attempts against his family. The Mumbai Police's charge sheet, now under court review, includes six accused: Vickykumar Gupta, Sagarkumar Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Anujkumar Thapan (now deceased), Mohd Rafiq Choudhary, and Harpal Singh, with Anujkumar having committed suicide in custody.
24-Jul-2024
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, on July 24 in Amritsar, expressed concern over frequent drone intrusions from across the border used for drug and arms smuggling and announced that anti-drone technology will be deployed along the Pakistan border within a year. Additionally, he proposed setting up a special panel of lawyers for drug cases and offered rewards for those who assist in capturing drones.
23-Jul-2024
Member of Parliament (MP) from Faridkot and son of Beant Singh, one of the assassins of the late Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, called for the creation of a new Panthic outfit in Punjab on July 23 in New Delhi. He plans to discuss this initiative with radical Khalistani preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who is currently jailed under the National Security Act (NSA) in Assam. Citing voter support for himself and Amritpal, Khalsa criticized existing Sikh political groups like the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for failing to provide effective leadership and intends to contest the upcoming Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) elections.
23-Jul-2024
Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit met with members of Village Defence Committees (VDC) and residents of the border area in the Bamyal sector of Pathankot district on July 23. During his visit, he praised the VDC's dedication and stressed the need for enhanced vigilance to tackle the drug crisis and bolster border security.
22-Jul-2024
Radical Khalistani preacher and jailed Member of Parliament (MP) Amritpal Singh's election from the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency was challenged on July 22 by petitioner Vikramjit Singh in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The challenge was based on grounds of concealment of required particulars in the affidavit, violation of election expenditure rules, and corrupt practices, including seeking votes on religious grounds and using religious places for campaigning.
22-Jul-2024
Police on July 22 arrested one unidentified person with sulfa drug, in Sangrur in Sangrur district.
22-Jul-2024
Police on July 22 arrested a person identified as Bhinderpal and seized an envelope containing 5 grams of heroin from his possession in Lehal Kalan village in Sangrur district.
22-Jul-2024
Akali Sudhar Lehar leaders Gurpartap Wadala and Jagir Kaur criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on July 22 for failing to deliver justice in the 2018 sacrilege cases of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They accused the government of not making timely appeals in the Supreme Court and not prosecuting the Dera Sacha Sauda leader. They announced a series of seminars on Sikh Rehat Maryada, starting on August 5 in Chandigarh, to address these issues and raise awareness.
22-Jul-2024
Police on July 22 froze illegal property worth INR 1.7 crores belonging to six drug smugglers in Jalandhar in Jalandhar district.
22-Jul-2024
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann on July 22 requested a special package of INR 1,32,247 crore from the 16th Finance Commission for the state's holistic development. He highlighted Punjab's contributions to food production and national defense and detailed the need for funds across various sectors, including agriculture, industry revitalization, and tackling drug abuse. Mann emphasized the state's unique challenges, such as narco-terrorism and water depletion, and urged the Commission to support Punjab's economic growth and sustainability initiatives.
21-Jul-2024
Gopalganj police on July 21 arrested two shooters of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Kamal Rawat and Shantanu Shivam, and seized four Austrian pistols from their possession near the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border close to Belthari village in Gopalganj district, Bihar. During interrogation, the shooters confessed to committing murders in Rajasthan and revealed the names of their handlers. They also had plans to target individuals in Muzaffarpur and Motihari. The police are conducting further interrogations and will present them in court for remand.
21-Jul-2024
Member of Parliament (MP) from Faridkot Sarabjit Singh Khalsa on July 21 announced that he would form a new party with jailed radical Khalistani preacher and fellow MP from Khadoor Sahib Amritpal Singh once Amritpal is released from jail. Khalsa also expressed confidence in securing at least nine seats in future elections. He criticized the current state of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and indicated potential support from its members, aiming to address key issues and unify diverse groups in Punjab.
21-Jul-2024
Speakers at a discussion chaired by National Minority Commission chairperson and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Iqbal Singh Lalpura on July 21 in Chandigarh called for a more inclusive Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the need for reforms. Organized by the NCM in collaboration with the Global Punjabi Association, the event emphasized including Sehajdhari Sikhs in SGPC voting rights and focused on enhancing Dharam Parchar (religious discourse).
21-Jul-2024
Rajya Sabha (Upper house of Parliament) Members of Parliament (MPs) V Sivadasan and AA Rahim received a threat call on July 21 at the lounge of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi from a person claiming to be with the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The caller threatened to "bombard" areas of Delhi with the Khalistan referendum message. They informed Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and lodged an official complaint with the Delhi Police.
20-Jul-2024
Former Member of Parliament (MP) Rajdev Singh Khalsa and legal counsel for jailed radical Khalistani preacher and MP from Khadur Sahib Amritpal Singh on July 20 proposed Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s nephew, Jasbir Singh Rode, as the new president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) during a function in Rode village in Moga district. Rajdev highlighted Rode's strong ties to the Khalsa Panth and the family's historical sacrifices, asserting that Rode's leadership is crucial for future electoral success in Punjab.
20-Jul-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 20 filed a charge sheet against 10 accused, including Canada-based terrorist Goldy Brar and his associates, before a special NIA court in Chandigarh. The investigation revealed their involvement in arms smuggling, narcotics trade, and targeting affluent businessmen who refused to pay extortion money.
20-Jul-2024
The anti-narcotics cell of the Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) on July 20 arrested four individuals identified as Jaswinder Singh alias Sonu, Amanpreet Singh, Gurjit Singh, and Gurwinder Singh, and seized 1.5 kg of heroin along with INR 8 lakh in drug money and a tractor and trailer from their possession near Abha Library in Abohar, Fazilka district.
20-Jul-2024
Police on July 20 announced the arrest of three individuals, including a woman drug peddler identified as Daljit Kaur, along with Gurbax, alias Lala, and Arshdeep Singh, and the seizure of 1 kg of ICE (methamphetamine), 2.45 kg of heroin, and 520 grams of precursor pseudoephedrine in Amritsar, Amritsar district. The police revealed that Daljit was arrested on July 16 with 50 grams of heroin, and based on her disclosure, Arshdeep Singh was arrested with 200 grams of heroin, and Gurbax, the kingpin of the racket, was arrested with 1 kg of ICE, over 2 kg of heroin, and 520 grams of precursor pseudoephedrine. Gurbax, who has five criminal cases against him and was out on bail since March 2024, was involved in sourcing precursor chemicals and manufacturing synthetic drugs.
19-Jul-2024
Police on July 19 arrested seven individuals involved in a supari (contract) attack on a local shopkeeper, identified as Keshav Singh, Sushil Kumar, Babu Ram, Ashok Kumar, Sukhpreet Singh, Vikas Kumar, and Ashok Kumar, and seized one .32 pistol, five rounds, five daggers (dattars), and three motorcycles from the suspects' possession in Patiala, Patiala district.
19-Jul-2024
A court in New Delhi on July 19 reserved its order on whether to frame charges against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in an anti-Sikh riots case where three people were killed. The court is expected to pronounce its decision on August 2. Tytler, previously granted anticipatory bail, faces charges including rioting, abetment, and murder.
19-Jul-2024
Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini, on July 19, while addressing members of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) at the camp office in Chandigarh, announced that Haryana is the first state to implement the Sant-Mahapurush Vichar Samman and Prasar Yojana, officially celebrating the anniversaries of Sikh Gurus and other great personalities. He emphasized the importance of preserving and teaching the principles of harmony, tolerance, and brotherhood taught by the Sikh Gurus and praised the bravery and sacrifices of the Sikh community in protecting their religion and contributing to India's freedom movement.
19-Jul-2024
Police on July 19 arrested two operatives of the Goldy Dhillon gang, identified as Navjot Singh alias Laddi and Jatin Kumar, in Rajpura, Patiala district of Punjab, solving a INR 50 lakh extortion case involving a Rajpura-based builder and financier. The police had previously arrested their associate Rahul Kumar. The gang is linked to U.S.-based gangster Goldy Brar and jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. An FIR was registered against Dhillon and his associates, who had demanded ₹50 lakh from the builder. Dhillon, based in Germany, is also linked to other criminal activities and is on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) wanted list.
19-Jul-2024
Radical Khalistani preacher and chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), Amritpal Singh, who is also a jailed Member of Parliament (MP), on July 19 moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court to quash proceedings against him under the National Security Act (NSA), including his detention orders. He argued that his detention under the NSA was illegal, violating his right to life and liberty, and was punitive for his vocal stance against the state and Central government. He contended that the grounds for his detention, based on social media posts, were insufficient to justify a security threat to Punjab or India. He is currently held at Dibrugarh Jail in Dibrugarh, Assam.
18-Jul-2024
India expressed strong displeasure to Canada regarding the upcoming Khalistan Referendum organized by the Khalistani outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on July 28 in Calgary, Alberta province in Canada, citing concerns about its venue being a public municipal facility.
18-Jul-2024
Police on July 18 thwarted potential targeted killings with the arrest of Vikramjit Singh, a member of the Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)-backed terror module and seized a .32 bore pistol along with two magazines, nine live cartridges, and one empty bullet shell from his possession, as well as his Royal Enfield motorcycle, near Chamrang Road in Amritsar district. Singh was allegedly operating under the direction of United States (US)-based terrorist Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian, and his Italy-based associate Resham Singh. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover additional connections.
18-Jul-2024
The Punjab and Haryana High Court held that vehicles seized in drug cases can only be confiscated after the accused is proven guilty and dismissed the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) petitions challenging the release of such vehicles on Supurdari. The court stated that vehicles should not deteriorate while awaiting trial and can be temporarily released on bonds, with confiscation applicable only after a guilty verdict is secured.
18-Jul-2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Punjab State Media Head, Vineet Joshi, addressed a press conference in Chandigarh on July 18, revealing that during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s 28-month tenure under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, at least 587 youths have officially died due to drug abuse, with actual numbers estimated between 2,000 and 2,500. He also criticized Mann's inaction, noting the lack of state-level anti-drug programs and advertisements during International Day against Drug Abuse events. Joshi highlighted the severe impact on diverse demographics and the rampant availability of drugs in Punjab, accusing the current administration of indirectly supporting drug traffickers.
18-Jul-2024
According to sources, the Punjab government plans to double the strength of the Punjab Police Special Task Force (STF) from 400 to 814 personnel to enhance its capability in combating the drug menace. This proposal, initiated by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, aims to boost technical investigation skills within the STF. The new state-of-the-art STF Intelligence and Technical Unit (SITU) at the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district, inaugurated by Yadav, features advanced technology and software for analyzing drug-related data. The initiative follows a ₹14.6 crore allocation earlier this year to augment the STF’s resources.
18-Jul-2024
The Punjab Police's Special Task Force (STF) arrested a constable of Punjab Police, Gurmeet Singh, and a woman, Navdeep Kaur, and seized 440 grams of heroin from their possession in Mauli Baidwan village in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Both suspects were produced in court on July 18 and remanded to four-day police custody.
18-Jul-2024
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 18 arrested a key aide of Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias Landa, identified as Baljeet Singh alias Rana Bhai alias Balli, in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Singh, a major weapons supplier to Landa’s agents in Punjab, was involved in large-scale terror activities, including extortions from businessmen. The investigation, registered Suo motu on July 10, 2023, also linked Singh to another Khalistani terrorist, Satnam Singh Satta.
17-Jul-2024
Delhi Police issued a high alert ahead of Independence Day due to a Khalistani plot in Delhi. Security measures have been intensified, with the police enhancing vigilance following increased Khalistani activities and the appearance of supportive posters in the city. Comprehensive security arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort.
17-Jul-2024
Police on July 17 busted a Pakistan-backed drug smuggling racket, arresting two individuals identified as Gurmukh Singh and Jagwant Singh along with 7 kg of heroin, four 9mm Glock pistols, one .32 bore pistol, five live cartridges, five magazines, and a car at a checkpoint near Muhawa village in Amritsar district. The accused were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based operators and were smuggling weapons and drugs into the state via drones. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the network's connections and identify others involved.
17-Jul-2024
Punjab Police on July 17 arrested two individuals, identified as Ajay Singh and Pargat Singh and seized 950 grams of heroin from their possession in Mode village village in Amritsar district.
17-Jul-2024
Punjab Police on July 17 arrested one person, identified as Rajinder Singh and seized 60 grams of heroin along with a.32-bore pistol along with two live cartridges in Burj Rai Ke village in Ajnala in Amritsar.
17-Jul-2024
The Special Task Force (STF) of Punjab Police on July 17 arrested two individuals, identified as Navdeep Kaur and Gurinder Singh alias Sally, and seized 440 grams of heroin and a car from their possession in Mohali, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAAS) Nagar district. Investigations revealed that Navdeep obtained the drugs from Gagandeep and Sandeep. Gagandeep was arrested on July 20 with 1.5 kg of heroin. Other involved individuals include Gurvinder Singh, Randeep Kaur, her husband Sohan Lal, Constable Gurmeet Singh, and Gulshan and Lovepreet Singh, who were found in possession of 30 grams of heroin. Further investigation is ongoing to unravel the full network.
16-Jul-2024
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal announced on July 16 that he would appear before the Akal Takht to address allegations from a rebel faction within the SAD that he compromised Sikh community sentiments for political gains. Earlier, on July 15, the Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, had asked Mr. Badal to appear in person and submit a written explanation within 15 days at the Akal Takht in Amritsar, Punjab.
16-Jul-2024
A senior police officer revealed on July 16 that the Punjab Police has inducted three quick response teams (QRTs), specially trained by the Army, to tackle any eventuality, such as a terror attack or hostage situation, in Pathankot district, Punjab. These QRTs, equipped with specialized vehicles and a wide range of equipment, will be deployed in three subdivisions of the district. Each team, comprising ten police personnel trained in commando courses, will undertake regular patrolling to act as a force multiplier.
16-Jul-2024
As part of an experiment planned by the Punjab Police Special Task Force (STF) against drugs, 200 inmates lodged in prisons across Punjab were shifted to Bathinda Central Jail in Bathinda district, a “dead zone” where there is no signal to operate mobile phones. This measure aims to prevent inmates from operating smuggling networks via mobile phones. The STF conducted an intelligence-based study to identify these inmates, and communication from the jail is now only permitted via landline.
16-Jul-2024
The police on July 16 arrested two individuals, identified as Jaswinder Singh and Aman Kaur, and seized 70 banned tablets from their possession near Bhundarhi village in Jagraon, Ludhiana district.
16-Jul-2024
The police on July 16 arrested two individuals, identified as Naseeb Singh and Kuldeep Singh, and seized 45 banned tablets from their possession near the civil hospital in Raikot, Ludhiana district.
16-Jul-2024
The police on July 16 arrested one individual, identified as Harpreet Singh, and seized four grams of heroin from his possession in Basian village, Raikot, Ludhiana district.
16-Jul-2024
The police on July 16 arrested two individuals, identified as Jaspreet Singh and Harjinder Singh, and seized two grams of heroin from their possession near Ratipur village in Samrala, Ludhiana district.