NIA Anti-Terror Raids: National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained several individuals, shedding light on the intricate connections between criminal syndicates within India and Khalistani separatists and terrorists operating from countries like Pakistan and Canada.
New Delhi, 27 September(City Times): NIA Anti-Terror Raids: In a sweeping operation that spanned multiple states, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained several individuals, shedding light on the intricate connections between criminal syndicates within India and Khalistani separatists and terrorists operating from countries like Pakistan and Canada. These networks have allegedly been exploited for a range of terror-related activities, posing a significant threat to national security.
The NIA’s Extensive Raids and Their Significance
The NIA’s recent raids have captured significant attention due to their focus on unraveling links with Canada-based syndicates and criminals. These operations coincide with a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada, where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made startling claims. Trudeau asserts that “credible” information connects “agents of Delhi” to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, despite Nijjar being a Canadian citizen.(NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
India’s Response to the Allegations
India has vehemently rejected these allegations as “absurd” and has highlighted the absence of any evidence shared by Canadian authorities. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has emphasized a concerning surge in “organized crime relating to secessionist forces and extremism” in Canada, underlining the significance of the NIA’s actions.(NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
The Predawn Raids: Uncovering Arms, Ammunition, and Digital Evidence
In the early hours of the morning, the NIA executed raids at more than 50 locations connected to criminal gangs led by Lawrence Bishnoi and Arshdeep Dalla, based in Canada. Recent police reports have linked Dalla to the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba and other notorious crime bosses. The raids resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of arms, ammunition, and digital evidence, providing critical leads in ongoing investigations.(NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
Fugitives Abroad and Their Ties to Khalistani Terrorism
The NIA’s investigation points to the involvement of fugitives like Arshdeep Dalla and Gaurav Patial, who reside abroad but maintain contact with Khalistani terrorists. Their activities allegedly include securing funding, smuggling weapons, orchestrating murders, engaging in extortion, and participating in various anti-national activities. These revelations underscore the global reach of Khalistani networks and their potential impact on India’s security landscape.(NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
Nationwide Raids: A Multistate Effort
The NIA’s operations extended across several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the National Capital Region. Notably, Punjab witnessed 30 simultaneous raids. These actions are part of a concerted effort to construct a robust case against the syndicates involved. Most of these criminal networks are believed to be operated from overseas, particularly Dubai, and have been implicated in cases filed by the NIA last year under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.(NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
Key Targets: Canada-Based Landa, Pak-Based Rinda, and US-Based Pannun
Among the primary targets of the raids are individuals like Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, based in Canada, Harvinder Singh Rinda, operating from Pakistan, and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned Sikhs for Justice separatist group, residing in the United States. Shockingly, a dossier on Pannun reveals his alleged aspirations to “create countries” by dividing India, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.(NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
Legal Action Against Syndicate Leaders
The NIA has initiated legal proceedings against key figures in these criminal syndicates, including Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, Vikram Brar, Bambiha, Kaushal Chaudhary, Neeraj Bawana, Dilpreet, and Sukhpreet alias Budha. Furthermore, cases have been filed against Sunil, known as Tillu Tajpuriya, who was killed within Delhi’s Tihar Jail in May, and Bambiha, who met a similar fate in a 2016 encounter.
Bishnoi in Jail, Dalla in Canada, and Property Seizures
Presently, Lawrence Bishnoi is incarcerated in Ahmedabad, while Arshdeep Dalla resides in Canada. Notably, the NIA recently seized properties owned by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in Chandigarh and Amritsar. Pannun, who has been wanted since 2019 on charges of promoting and commissioning terrorist acts, faces a staggering 22 criminal cases in Punjab alone, including three charges of sedition. (NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
Widespread Raids Across Punjab and Haryana
Just prior to these operations, the NIA executed raids at over 1,000 locations across Punjab and Haryana. These raids were linked to Goldy Brar, who allegedly masterminded the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. (NIA Anti-Terror Raids)
India’s Resolute Stand on Terrorism
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar delivered a resolute message at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing that “political convenience” should not determine a nation’s response to terrorism. This statement was perceived as a direct reference to countries like China and Canada. Canada, in particular, is home to a significant and politically influential Sikh community, expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming general election in 2025.
The recent developments highlight the complexities of combating transnational terror networks and underscore India’s unwavering commitment to national security and counterterrorism efforts.(NIA Anti-Terror Raids)