The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday detained several suspects during its multi-state raid in a major crackdown on the criminal syndicates who have links with Khalistani terrorists based in Pakistan and Canada.
The agency informed that several pistols, ammunition and large number of digital devices and incriminating material were seized during the raid in 51 locations in six states—Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The NIA crackdown on the terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler nexus, connected with listed terrorist Arsh Dalla and many other dreaded gangsters came amid a raging diplomatic row between India and Canada over the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. While Ottawa alleged potential involvement of Indian agencies in the murder, New Delhi hit back, saying the allegations are “absurd” and “politically driven”.
Besides Dalla, other gangsters under the NIA scanner in Wednesday’s raids were Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukha Duneke, Harry Maur, Narender alias Lali, Kala Jatheri and Deepak Tinu.
NIA has registered five cases since August 2022 related to conspiracies of targeted killings, terror funding of pro-Khalistan outfits and extortion by the gangsters. Many of the accused are lodged in various jails or are operating from various foreign countries, including Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Portugal and Australia.
“The focus of today’s raids, aimed at dismantling the terror-gangster-drug smuggler nexus, was on weapon suppliers, financiers and logistics providers associated with various hardcore gangs and their operatives. These gangs are working with drug smugglers and terrorists based out of other countries, including Pakistan, UAE, Canada, Portugal,” an NIA official was quoted as saying by IANS.
The NIA had earlier released details of 43 terrorists as part of its crackdown on terrorist-gangster nexus, some of them with Canada and Khalistan links. The agency also asked the public to share details of their properties and assets which can be taken over by the central government.
The NIA has also issued pictures of Lawrence Bishnoi, Jasdeep Singh, Kala Jatheri alias Sandeep, Virender Pratap alias Kala Rana and Joginder Singh along with their names.
Last week, in an unprecedented move, the NIA confiscated properties owned by designated Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Chandigarh and Amritsar under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.