KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
27-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) shot down a drone near the India-Pakistan International Border and apprehended a smuggler with a narcotics consignment of 3.4 kg heroin in Amritsar on May 27.
26-May-2023
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was remanded to four-day custody by the Patiala House Court in an illegal arms supply case on May 26. The Delhi Police's special cell sought custody to interrogate Bishnoi regarding his alleged involvement in an Arms Act case, where 25 pistols were recovered from an arms trafficker who supplied weapons to Bishnoi's gang.
26-May-2023
The Golden Temple in Amritsar has installed a giant digital screen at its main entrance to educate visitors about the code of conduct to be followed while accessing the shrine. The screen displays information in Punjabi, Hindi, and English regarding the dos and don'ts, including guidelines on depositing footwear and luggage.
26-May-2023
An Intelligence Bureau (IB) report submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) exposed Canada-based gangster cum Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh alias Landa as key recruiter in Punjab. The report reveals the outfit's activities, including mobilizing youths for anti-India actions and supplying arms through over-ground workers. Landa's recruits are trained to issue extortion threats and transfer funds through Hawala channels. The report also highlights the involvement of Sikh expatriate communities in Canada and the arrest of sharpshooters involved in drone-dropped weapon shipments. Landa's role in the May 2022 RPG attack on Punjab police headquarters is also mentioned.
26-May-2023
Officials are concerned about jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's obsession with wearing T-shirts featuring images of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. They suspect it is part of an effort to build his image on social media. Instructions have been issued to restrict Bishnoi from wearing such T-shirts in Delhi and Punjab jails. Multiple social media accounts link Bishnoi to Bhagat Singh, and some posts are related to gang activities and gun sales. Guards are monitoring the clothes given to Bishnoi by his relatives, and prison rules authorize an IG-level officer to decide prisoners' clothing.
26-May-2023
Police in Vairoke arrested two individuals, identified as Ladhu Ram and Raju Ram and recovered 450 kg of poppy husk from them. in Gurdaspur district on May 26.
26-May-2023
Punjab Police's State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) arrested a member of a criminal gang, identified as Rahul alias Akash, and seized a .30 bore pistol and five cartridges from him in SAS Nagar district on May 26. Rahul and his associate, Sukh alias Subhash, both with a history of criminal activities, were planning to target rival gang members and acquire more weapons. While Rahul was apprehended, Sukh managed to escape.
26-May-2023
The Patiala House Court in Delhi on May 26 extended the custody of Amritpal Singh alias Ammy and Amrik Singh, who are allegedly associated with Canada-based terrorists Arshdeep Singh Dhalla and the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), by 10 days. They were arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) upon their deportation from Manila on May 19. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is interrogating them regarding their involvement in recruiting youth for KTF, smuggling arms and ammunition, and raising funds for the organization. Non-bailable arrest warrants had been issued against them by the NIA court in a case related to the unlawful activities of banned organizations in India.
25-May-2023
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on May 25 conducted raids on the hideouts of a gangster accused in the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, Deepak Teenu in Bhiwani, Haryana. Deepak, an active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, allegedly provided logistic support and hired shooters for the popular Punjabi singer's killing. Teenu, currently in jail, had previously escaped custody and was later apprehended with hand grenades.
25-May-2023
Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster, was on May 25 moved from a Gujarat jail to Mandoli prison in Delhi for security concerns. The decision was made after a recent gang-related killing in Tihar Jail. Bishnoi, accused in multiple cases including murder, was brought to Delhi amidst tight security. Previously, he was in the custody of NIA (National Investigation Agency), Punjab Police, and Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS).
25-May-2023
Police arrested two youths, identified as Gurinder Singh and Ranjan Singh and recovered 14 grams of heroin from them in Mohali on May 25.
25-May-2023
A Facebook post from gangster Davinder Bambiha on May 25 claimed responsibility for the killing of gangster Jarnail Singh in Amritsar. The post alleges Jarnail's links to other gangsters and states that he was not part of the Gopi Ghanshampuria gang. Jarnail, a member of the Gopi Ghanshampuria gang according to the police, was shot dead by four assailants in his village. The investigation into the motive behind Jarnail's murder is ongoing.
25-May-2023
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann and his immediate family members have been provided 'Z-plus' category security cover by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) following a threat assessment report. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be responsible for the CM's security, with a team of 55 armed personnel assigned to the task.
25-May-2023
The Sadar police arrested two individuals, identified as Sukhmandeep Singh and Jagsir Singh, and seized 500 gm of opium from them on Thandewala Road in Muktsar in Sri Muktsar Sahib district on May 25.
24-May-2023
According to reports, the recent arrest of Lakhwinder Singh Lakha, a drug smuggler who used drones to fetch drugs from Pakistan, has raised concerns among security agencies about the practice of 'reverse drone sorties'. Smugglers purchase drones from New Delhi and send them to Pakistan to collect drugs, displaying their audacity in carrying out such activities. Lakha, arrested in Amritsar, claimed it was his first time using a drone, but the police suspected otherwise. This incident reignites worries after a previous case of drone sorties for drug smuggling was busted in 2020.
24-May-2023
Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik seeks support from Akal Takht Jathedar for wrestlers protesting against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. She met with Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and shared the reasons for the protest and the demands of the wrestlers. Malik requested an appeal from the Sikh community to gather more support. Jathedar Harpreet Singh urged the Central Government to take the wrestlers' demands seriously.
24-May-2023
A gangster, identified as Jarnail Singh was shot dead by four armed assailants in broad daylight at Sathiala village in Beas sub-division, Amritsar district on May 24. Jarnail was out on bail at the time of the incident. The police suspect gang rivalry or personal enmity as possible motives for the killing.
24-May-2023
The Border Security Force (BSF) on May 24 apprehended a Pakistani intruder named Mohammad Sohail in Amritsar sector in Amritsar. Sohail was caught entering Indian territory without any documents.
24-May-2023
According to reports, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) attempts to activate a narco-terror network in Punjab, India using drones and sea routes. Recent interceptions of drones carrying narcotics on the Punjab border highlight the preference for this method of smuggling. The rise in drone activity has prompted the involvement of locals and the implementation of security measures, such as Village Defence Committees. The Punjab Police emphasizes the need for coordination and proactive policing to counter this emerging threat, including the installation of CCTV cameras in border villages.
24-May-2023
According to reports, Punjab has become a leader in combating rogue drones and smuggling activities, outperforming Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) urged J&K's security grid to learn from Punjab's anti-drone mechanisms. The Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Army's strategies were praised during a meeting attended by top officials. Punjab's success can be attributed to experimental anti-drone devices, expert officers, and improved coordination with Punjab Police.