National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out extensive detentions across 53 locations spanning six states, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, on Wednesday. The operation targeted individuals associated with a nexus involving ‘listed terrorist’ Arsh Dalla and several notorious gangsters.
In addition to Arsh Dalla, the NIA’s focus during these raids extended to infamous gangsters such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukha Duneke, Harry Maur, Narender alias Lali, Kala Jatheri, and Deepak Tinu.
The crackdown resulted in the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, a substantial number of digital devices, and incriminating evidence. Raids were conducted at various locations, including districts in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
The NIA reported that state police forces offered essential support and assistance during the day-long operation, commencing early in the morning. These actions mark the seventh series of crackdowns initiated by the NIA since August 2022, encompassing two new cases registered against organized criminal groups in July 2023.
The cases under investigation involve conspiracy related to targeted killings, terror financing for pro-Khalistan outfits, extortion, and more by gangsters, many of whom are either incarcerated in various prisons or operating from foreign countries, including Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Portugal, and Australia.
The primary objective of these recent raids, as outlined by the NIA, was to dismantle the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers, focusing on weapon suppliers, financiers, and logistics providers associated with various criminal factions and their operatives. The agency stated that these criminal groups collaborate with drug smugglers and terrorists operating from abroad, including Pakistan, UAE, Canada, and Portugal.
NIA investigations have revealed that conspiracies under scrutiny were hatched within prisons in different states and executed by a network of operatives based abroad. Notable among these conspiracies were the high-profile killings of Maharashtra builder Sanjay Biyani, mining trader Mehal Singh, and international Kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambia in Punjab last year.
The NIA emphasized that several criminals and gangsters who once led domestic gangs have fled abroad in recent years, continuing their involvement in acts of terror and violence from foreign locations. These individuals have been planning and executing serious crimes, including contract killings and revenge attacks, in collaboration with incarcerated criminals across India. Funds for such activities are generated through drug and weapon smuggling, hawala transactions, and extortion.
Prior to this operation, the NIA had conducted similar raids at over 370 locations, resulting in the seizure of 38 firearms, including four lethal weapons, along with 1,129 rounds of ammunition. The agency has frozen 87 bank accounts, attached 13 properties, and confiscated 331 digital devices, 418 documents, and two vehicles.
As a result of NIA’s determined efforts to dismantle the nexus between terrorists like Arsh Dalla and dangerous gangsters and drug smugglers, two fugitives have been designated as individual terrorists, and 15 accused have been declared proclaimed offenders. Additionally, Red Corner Notices (RCNs) have been issued against nine others.
The NIA continues its ongoing investigations to eradicate terror, violence, extortion networks, and their associated funding and support infrastructure.
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