On February 23, 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested six people, which also included a close aid of a designated terrorist. They are affiliated with Khalistani elements and other groups that share a similar ideology.
The aid arrested includes a man called Lucky Khokhar, a close aide of a designated terrorist based in Canada named Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala.
The arrests occurred after the NIA launched raids at 76 locations.
The raids were carried out in certain states such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh.
Many of the arrested were associates of prime gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi, Jaggu Bhagwanpuriya, and Goldy Brar.
The names of the other arrested are Dalip Bishnoi, and Surinder (Chiku Chaudhary). They worked for Lawrence Bishnoi and were arrested on the grounds of raising funds, recruiting youth and carrying out terrorist acts on behalf of the Bishnoi Gang.
As per a spokesperson from the NIA, Dalip Bishnoi was arrested on February 22, 2023, and is a “habitual criminal” known for providing logistical support to the gangs in Punjab and Rajasthan.
Surinder Singh was caught on February 21, 2023. He was responsible for NDPS Act for attempting murder and extortion. NDPS stands for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, put in force in 1985.
He was involved in illegal liquor contacts, smuggling, and extortion from liquor and mining contractors in Haryana and is a main financer of terror gangster syndicates.
Lucky Khokhar was arrested from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan on February 21, 2023. He was in frequent contact with Arsh Dala and was responsible for recruiting people and receiving funds for terror-related activities.
In addition, he provided ammunition and arms to Arsh Dala’s associates in Punjab that were used for carrying out a murder recently in Jagron on directions from Arsh Dala.
According to an NIA Spokesperson, Khokhar was working for Dala who was been involved in smuggling arms, drugs, ammunition, explosives and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) across international and inter-state borders from several banned terror outfits namely Babbar Khalsa International, Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF).
Apart from Khokhar, the NIA also arrested Lakhvir Singh, Harpreet and Hari Om (Titu). Hari OM was caught on February 21, 2023.
In August 2022, Lakhvir Singh was caught by the NIA because he was allegedly motivating and recruiting youth for terror activities through using social media.
Additionally, nine weapons were also found in Lakhvi’s possession. They were also using social media to publicise their crimes and, in a bid, to create fear among the general public.
The NIA investigations have so far shown that many criminals who were leading gangsters in India have fled to other countries like Pakistan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Canada and Australia.
These groups were carrying out targeted killings and raising funds for nefarious activities through the smuggling of drugs, weapons, hawala and extortion.
Further investigations are on to dismantle such terror networks and funding and support infrastructure, the spokesperson said.
