KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
28-Dec-2023
On December 28, a consignment comprising 2,503 plastic crates of apples from Afghanistan, concealing 33.92 kg of heroin-soaked paper sheets, was seized at the Integrated Check Post in Attari, Amritsar district. The operation was prompted by intelligence inputs from the Crime Branch of Delhi Police and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The seizure was made under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, highlighting efforts to curb drug trafficking through unconventional means.
28-Dec-2023
The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police on December 28 arrested an operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, identified as Vikramjit Singh alias Vicky and seized a Chinese pistol with 8 live cartridges and a Toyota Fortuner car from his possession in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar district. Vikramjit, with a criminal history that includes 20 cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), was allegedly assigned by a foreign-based handler to eliminate a rival gang member. Additionally, he was involved in cross-border weapons and drugs smuggling and served as a shooter/co-accused in the murder of rival gangster Jordan in 2018.
28-Dec-2023
Police on December 28 arrested a woman, identified as Renu Kaur and seized 8,000 intoxicating tablets from her possession, at Gumjal barrier on the Abohar-Sriganganagar highway, near Gumjal in Fazilka district.
28-Dec-2023
Police on December 28 arrested an individual, identified as Sandeep Singh and seized 10 kg of poppy husk near Rajpura barrier on the Abohar-Sadulshehar road, near Rajpura in Fazilka district.
28-Dec-2023
Abohar City Police on December 28 arrested four persons identified as Manpreet Singh, Ravi Kumar, Sunil Kumar and Anil Kumar, while they were consuming ‘chitta’ (heroin), in Abohar in Fazilka district.
28-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint operation on December 28 recovered a drone, near Roranwala Village in Amritsar district. The recovered drone was a Hexacopter.
27-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint search operation, on December 27 recovered a drone near Mari Kamboke village in Tarn Taran district. The recovered drone was a Quadcopter, model - DJI Mavic 3 classic, made in China.
27-Dec-2023
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, at the year-end media briefing in Chandigarh on December 27 stated that Punjab Police achieved a record drug seizure, confiscating 1,161 kg of heroin in 2023. He also mentioned that during the year (till December 26), 14,951 drug smugglers were arrested, including 2,424 major offenders, with 10,786 FIRs registered. Additionally, authorities recovered 795 kg of opium, 403 quintals of poppy husk, and 83.17 lakh tablets, capsules, injections, and vials of pharma opioids. The police also seized drug money amounting to INR 13.67 crore and confiscated 294 properties worth INR 127 crore, targeting major smugglers. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in 2023, arrested 482 gangsters and criminals, dismantling 188 gangster/criminal modules while recovering 519 weapons, 102 vehicles used in criminal activities, 4.5 kg of heroin, and INR 71.08 lakhs in drug money.
27-Dec-2023
Divulging details on the action against terrorists, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, said on December 27 that in 2023, Punjab’s Internal Security has busted 13 terror modules with the arrest of 67 terrorists. The operations resulted in the recovery of two rifles, 55 revolvers/pistols, two tiffin Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 2.14 Kg RDX, and other explosives, along with two hand grenades and 111 drones. A total of 303 drone sightings were recorded this year, reflecting the growing challenges in maintaining security.
27-Dec-2023
On December 27, the Punjab Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a fourth charge sheet at the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Mansa district regarding the murder case of singer-turned-politician Sidhu Moose Wala. The charge sheet names gangster Sachin Thapan alias Sachin Bishnoi, as a key conspirator. Sachin, the nephew of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was detained in Azerbaijan in 2022, extradited to India in August 2023, and is currently in the custody of the Delhi Special Cell. He is accused of conspiring to kill Moose Wala and managing logistics for the murder.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police in a joint search operation, on December 26 recovered two black-coloured bags of heroin weighing 4.177 kg on the outskirts of Jodhawala village in Fazilka district. The packets were attached with illuminated strips and rings, indicating a potential drone drop.
26-Dec-2023
According to sources, Khalistani terrorists are exploiting advanced technology, using encrypted communication and virtual tools to evade traditional investigative methods. Intelligence reports revealed a strategy that involves virtual numbers, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and social media for operational secrecy and global propaganda. The digital subterfuge extends to domestic networks, establishing connections with gangsters, narcotraffickers, and arms suppliers. India faces a critical choice, requiring enhanced cyber intelligence, collaboration with tech companies, and strict regulations to counter the evolving threat. Global unity and concerted efforts are essential to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure thriving in the shadows of the web.
26-Dec-2023
Khalistani terrorist and chief of the banned Khalistani terror outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on December 26 issued a fresh threat via a video statement, urging Muslims in Uttar Pradesh (UP) to target Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his planned roadshow in Ayodhya on December 30. Pannun also expressed support for terrorists in Kashmir, aligning himself with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence’s (ISI) “K2 (Kashmir-Khalistan) desk”. Earlier, he had issued a threat to attack the new Parliament building in response to an alleged assassination attempt, contributing to heightened security concerns.
26-Dec-2023
According to sources, Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla, and Lucky Patyal, affiliated with the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and already declared as terrorists, currently pose a significant challenge to law enforcement. Despite National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids, their influence in Delhi-NCR has persisted, leading to recent encounters between their henchmen and the Delhi Police. Key associates, such as Dinesh Sharma and Neeraj Pandit, are handling financial matters and coordinating between gangs supporting Arsh Dalla. Affiliated gangs in Gurugram, Haryana, led by Kaushal Chaudhary and Hariom Titu, are engaging in extortion and other illegal activities for income. Despite Arsh Dalla's base being in Canada, his well-connected network in Delhi-NCR is posing challenges for law enforcement, involving organized and anti-national crimes.
26-Dec-2023
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, while speaking at a 'Veer Bal Diwas' event in New Delhi on December 26, stated that Sikh gurus have imparted teachings encouraging Indians to live for the glory of their land, serving as inspiration for national development. PM Modi also emphasized the global remembrance of the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, with commemorative programs held in countries such as the United States (US), Australia, and New Zealand.
26-Dec-2023
During the 'Veer Bal Diwas' celebration in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh (AP) on December 26, Union Minister of State for Railways & Textile Darshana Vikram Jardosh emphasized the importance of remembering the supreme sacrifices made by the Sikh community in safeguarding India. She urged the people to carry forward the courageous acts of the Sikh community to inspire younger generations.
26-Dec-2023
United Sikhs on December 26 organized the second edition of 'Itihas Naal Galwakri,' dedicated to the lives and sacrifice of Sahibzadey, as part of the ongoing Galwakri campaign at Gurdwara Sri Singh Sabha in Model Gram, Ludhiana, Ludhiana district.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 26 recovered four packets of heroin weighing 2.090 kg from a farmhouse on the outskirts of Jodhawala village in Fazilka district. The operation, based on specific information, was prompted by the presence of illuminated strips attached to the packets, suggesting a potential drone drop.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) announced on December 26 that it seized heroin consignments worth INR 2,500 crore on the Punjab-Pakistan border in 2023, with approximately 500 kg of heroin confiscated. The BSF also shot down or recovered 100 Pakistani drones attempting to smuggle narcotics, arms, and ammunition into Indian territory. The BSF credited its three-pronged strategy for curtailing the drug supply, raising awareness against drug abuse, and empowering youth for meaningful employment opportunities. The BSF celebrated this accomplishment and apprehended 75 smugglers in the bordering districts of Punjab. The increased drug seizures and drone interceptions suggest a well-established intelligence network and heightened vigilance by the BSF.
26-Dec-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on December 26 recovered a packet containing 2.19 kg of heroin from fields adjacent to Metla village in Gurdaspur district.