The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 10 locations in Punjab and Haryana as part of their investigation into the activities of the banned terrorist organization known as the Khalistan Tiger Force.
Authorities are carrying out operations at nine sites in Punjab and one in Haryana as part of an investigation into a plot aimed at gathering finances for a prohibited terrorist organization. Additionally, the scheme involves the illicit transportation of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from neighbouring regions.
NIA’s operations in Punjab & Haryana
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted a significant operation targeting the banned terrorist organization Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). Today, they carried out searches at nine places in Punjab and one in Haryana as part of a major crackdown.
The recent raids carried out during the commemoration of Operation Blue Star serve as a strong indication of an uncompromising stance against the increasingly active Khalistani groups.
The raids are conducted as a part of an inquiry into a criminal scheme related to the collection of funds for a terrorist organization and the illicit transportation of weapons, munitions, and explosives across the national boundary.
According to reliable sources in influential positions, the organization was engaged in illegal activities such as smuggling weapons and drugs across borders. Additionally, they were operating an extortion scheme of significant prominence to generate funds for a banned group. The reported raids are said to be related to this criminal operation.
According to the reports, there are ongoing operations in the districts of Abohar and Muktsar, during which authorities are conducting raids. As part of these actions, a well-known toy maker based in Muktsar is currently undergoing questioning, along with a drug dealer located in Kaithal.
According to reports, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) discovered questionable transactions in the trader’s and his brother’s accounts, which were connected to a terrorist organization.
Charges Against KTF
The NIA initiated a case on its own accord on August 20 of the previous year, filing charges against KTF under applicable sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.Â
Subsequently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended two sought-after offenders named Amritpal Singh, also known as Ammy, and Amrit Singh, both originally from Punjab. The arrest took place at the Indira Gandhi International Airport upon their arrival from the Philippines. Prior to being arrested by the NIA, the individuals had been expelled from Manila.
The pair were accused of being intimate acquaintances of Arshdeep Dalla and KTF, individuals designated as terrorists based in Canada.
The inquiries uncovered that the defendant collaborated with another well-known wanted individual named Manpreet Singh, also known as Peeta.
Together, they were extensively engaged in the illicit transportation of weapons from Pakistan and the recruitment of young individuals to perpetrate violent and terrorist acts within the country under the instructions of the KTF.
Additionally, they were at the forefront of an extortion scheme, which served as a significant means of generating funds.
The group of three individuals would select individuals to extort, such as businessmen, and then use intimidation tactics to force them to give up large sums of money.
If the targeted individuals refused to comply, their homes and other properties would be subjected to attacks by the associates of the accused, who are based in India. Hardeep Singh Nijer, originally from Phillaur in Jalandhar, is presently the leader of KTF (Khalistan Tiger Force) and is living in Canada.
The NIA has designated him as a wanted terrorist and offered a monetary reward of 10 Lakhs for the elimination of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar. The investigation findings indicate that the KTF is presently strategizing deliberate assassinations throughout the state to advance its separatist and violent objectives.
The KTF crackdown occurs during a critical period when various Khalistani terrorist groups are being focused on globally. The movement has already suffered significant blows, with the latest being the apprehension of Paramjit Singh Panjwar, the leader of the Khalistan Commando Force.
Panjwar, who was recognized as a designated terrorist, was fatally shot close to his home in Lahore, Pakistan, earlier this year. He was followed by the assassination of Harmeet Singh, also known as PHD, the leader of the Khalistani Liberation Force, in Lahore, using a similar method.Â
In May, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated a nationwide operation to dismantle connections between drug gangs and terrorist activities.
