The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday launched a series of extensive raids spanning six states, covering 51 different locations connected to individuals associated with the notorious Lawrence, Bambiha, and Arsh Dalla Gangs. These operations mark a significant crackdown on criminal networks operating across India.
In the early hours of that fateful Wednesday, the NIA swiftly descended upon the residence of a liquor contractor situated in the village of Takhtupura within the Moga district of Punjab. The raid at this location was prompted by allegations that gangster Arsh Dala had coerced a ransom from the contractor, who had reportedly complied and handed over a portion of the demanded sum to Arsh Dala. In response to these allegations, the NIA initiated an investigation into this matter, as revealed by undisclosed sources.
Additionally, the NIA extended its reach to include a gun shop located within the jurisdiction of the Bajpur police station in Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. Simultaneously, another house came under scrutiny in the Clementown police station area of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Reports from the Dehradun Police confirmed that the NIA’s investigative teams have been conducting these raids since the early hours of the day. The purpose of these actions, as per state police information, includes scrutinizing the inventory of weapons at the gun shop.
Further investigating the matters, the NIA recently released information identifying 43 individuals affiliated with a criminal network connected to terror activities and believed to have links with Canada. In light of this revelation, the NIA urged the public to provide information about any properties or assets associated with these individuals that could potentially be seized by the central government.
The agency specifically requested information about properties, assets, businesses, and any relevant affiliations with associates, friends, or relatives of the identified individuals. Additionally, they sought details about business partners, employees, and collection agents connected to these individuals.
As part of its communication regarding this operation, the NIA also shared images and names of several key figures, including Lawrence Bishnoi, Jasdeep Singh, Kala Jatheri (alias Sandeep), Virender Pratap (alias Kala Rana), and Joginder Singh. Emphasizing that many of these criminal figures are currently based in Canada, the NIA sought to underscore the international dimension of their investigation.
Prior to these developments, the NIA had executed property confiscation measures against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated Khalistani terrorist, in both Chandigarh and Amritsar. This action was taken in accordance with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and a notice of property confiscation was conspicuously displayed outside Pannun’s residence in Chandigarh.
It is worth noting that just days before this recent operation, on September 21, the NIA had collaborated with Punjab police officers to conduct raids at over 1000 locations in Punjab and Haryana. This operation primarily targeted the fugitive gangster Goldy Brar, who is among the NIA’s most wanted criminals. Goldy Brar is also suspected to be involved in the recent assassination of another gangster, Sukha Dunike, in the Canadian city of Winnipeg.
These actions highlighted the close connections between Khalistan sympathizers and criminal elements, particularly those believed to be operating out of Canada. In 2018, during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Amritsar, India had handed over a list of nine Khalistani operatives known to be residing in Canada.
Also Read: Jaishankar Asks Canada to Share Specific and Relevant Information Amid Allegations
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