NIA Submits Chargesheet in Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Case

On Sunday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced the filing of a comprehensive chargesheet against Malkit Singh, also known as “Pistol,” in a cross-border arms smuggling case. The case involves the illicit transportation of arms and ammunition across borders using drones in the Gurdaspur district’s border area.

According to the NIA, a cache of firearms and ammunition, including five Glock Pistols from Austria, 91 live 9mm cartridges, and 10 magazines, was discovered by BSF authorities at the Cremation ground in the village of Bagtana Boharwala, Dera Baba Nanak, Batala, Punjab. Subsequently, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered at Police Station Dera Baba Nanak, Police District Batala, Punjab, under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Aircraft Act.

On August 8, 2023, the NIA re-registered the case, revealing connections between members of the proscribed terrorist organization Khalistan Liberation Force and individuals in Pakistan. The accused in this terror network, including Malkit Singh (Pistol), Taranjot Singh (Tanna), and Gurjit Singh (Paa), were found to be in direct communication with Pakistan-based individuals, including drug smugglers and the Chief of Khalistan Liberation Force, Lakhbir Singh Rode alias Baba ji, who also heads the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).

Both Khalistan Liberation Force and ISYF have been banned by the Indian government due to their involvement in various terror activities, including killings, bombings, and other violent acts advocating the secession of Punjab. The ban is a response to their orchestrated armed attacks on law enforcement personnel, criminal activities, fundraising for terrorist operations, and instilling fear among the general population.

The investigations into this case remain ongoing.