Shillong, September 28: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has unearthed a disturbing trend during its investigation. Criminal syndicates, in their quest for advanced weaponry, are funneling the proceeds from their extortion operations into financing the acquisition of sophisticated arms.
This not only occurs within the country but also extends beyond its borders, with support from Khalistani elements.
As per IANS, the NIA’s charge sheet outlines the unsettling collaboration between criminal groups and Khalistani counterparts. In exchange for support, these criminal organizations carry out targeted killings and extortion activities on behalf of Khalistani elements, creating a mutually beneficial network between the underworld and Khalistani forces.
NIA sources report that many Khalistani associates are either based overseas or incarcerated, relying on syndicate operatives to execute targeted assassinations.
“In return for their services, these operatives gain access to advanced weaponry sourced from abroad with the assistance of their Khalistani connections,” a source stated.
Intelligence sources reveal that Khalistan supporters, in coordination with Pakistan’s ISI, utilize routes through Nepal and Pakistan to smuggle weapons at the behest of gangsters.
Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, is a figure deeply embroiled in criminal activities, according to NIA sources. In 2020, his activities primarily revolved around funding, organizing terror networks, coordinating cross-border weapons smuggling, and orchestrating targeted assassinations in Punjab.
“The orders for weapons are transmitted by gangsters to Khalistani extremists abroad via social media platforms such as Signal App and WhatsApp. The entire operation, from planning to delivery, receives support from these extremists.”
In August of this year, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell dismantled an arms trafficking network spanning Dubai, Pakistan, Nepal, and India, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. Allegedly, this network was used by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to procure weapons utilized in the assassination of renowned Punjabi singer Subhdeep Singh, also known as Sidhu Moosewala, in May of the previous year.
The police seized 12 semi-automatic pistols, including Zigana, Beretta, and Slovakian pistols, along with Nepalese currency, a SIM card from Nepal, and a specialized iron box designed for gun trafficking from the suspects.
Sources indicate that Pakistan-based members of this module, connected to Khalistani elements, would supply weapons via air cargo to Nepal in concealed iron boxes custom-made for this purpose.
“Upon arrival in Nepal, this module’s members easily retrieve the consignment, as Nepal’s customs officials are compromised by this module,” stated Delhi Police sources.