In the wake of an eye-opening acknowledgment by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the existence of a Khalistan support network within Canada, recent developments reveal the detention of terrorist Arshdeep Singh, known widely as Arsh Dalla. A close associate of the late Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Dalla was reportedly detained by Canadian authorities following a shootout incident, as reported by CNN-News18.

Dalla’s arrest unfolded in Ontario, Canada, after a violent altercation on October 28. According to sources, this detention is linked to a serious shooting case in the area. On November 5, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) announced the arrest of two individuals in relation to the incident, charging them with “discharging a firearm with intent.” HRPS further reported that both suspects arrived at a hospital, with one treated for a gunshot wound and subsequently released. The authorities chose not to disclose the identities of the accused, yet noted that “both were held in custody pending a bail hearing.”

Insider sources claim that one of the two individuals detained is suspected to be Arsh Dalla, as reported by news agency PTI. Dalla’s apprehension adds a new layer to the complex narrative surrounding Khalistani activity in Canada, particularly in the context of escalating tensions between Canada and India over alleged support for separatist agendas. Dalla’s association with Nijjar, a key figure in the Khalistani movement, has placed him under scrutiny in India, where he is a wanted man on charges relating to terrorism and is believed to have direct involvement in violent separatist acts.

In India, Dalla’s name is increasingly synonymous with extremist activities aimed at promoting a Khalistan state, a campaign that has been condemned by Indian authorities. His detention has sparked significant interest on both sides of the border, as his connections to known separatists make him a pivotal figure in the ongoing investigation into overseas Khalistani operations.

Who is Arsh Dalla?

Arshdeep Singh, known as Arsh Dalla, is a prominent gangster whose notoriety led to his designation as a terrorist by India in 2023. At 28, Dalla is linked to the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), a group notorious for promoting separatist violence. He was instrumental in running terror modules on behalf of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a leading Khalistani figure who was killed in Canada in June 2023.

Originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, Dalla’s criminal journey took a new direction when he relocated to Surrey, British Columbia, where he lived with his wife and daughter. Though his criminal activities began gaining momentum around 2020, Dalla is now wanted for numerous murders in Punjab. His crimes go beyond murder; he faces accusations of extortion, terror financing, targeted killings, and coordinating cross-border operations that involve smuggling drugs and weapons. His network reaches beyond Indian borders, as he reportedly has connections with Goldy Brar, a notorious Canadian gangster, as well as with the terrorist group International Sikh Youth Federation.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) lists Dalla as an accused in numerous cases, several of which are under the jurisdiction of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). These cases involve serious allegations of disturbing communal harmony and spreading terror in Punjab. The MHA’s official designation of Dalla as a terrorist was grounded in his continued involvement in activities that threaten public safety and peace, as highlighted under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The Ministry exercised its authority under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the Act, cementing Dalla’s terrorist status to curb his influence.

In addition to his affiliation with the KTF, Delhi Police disclosed last year that Dalla allegedly maintains connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His violent record includes taking responsibility for the murder of Congress leader Baljinder Singh Balli at Balli’s residence in Punjab’s Moga district in September last year, as reported by The Times of India. Dalla and Nijjar also played a key role in a three-member KTF module that orchestrated the murder of Tejinder Singh alias Pinka, a shop owner in Moga.

Dalla’s violent activities have escalated over time. In 2021, he was allegedly behind the planned killing of a Hindu community leader in Jalandhar. His terror trail further includes involvement in the November 2020 murder of a Dera Sacha Sauda disciple and the killing of Sukhpreet Singh, a known criminal, as noted by Mint.

In January 2022, Dalla intensified his alliance with Nijjar, plotting attacks against Harmanbir Singh Gill, the then Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Moga, and two inspectors from Moga’s Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) wing. His ruthless actions and expanding influence highlight his deep-seated role in sustaining organized terror, reflecting a dangerous cross-border network that continues to evade containment.

What do we know about Dalla’s detention?

The detention of Arshdeep Singh, better known as Arsh Dalla, in late October, has left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding his current status. Although he was held after a shooting incident on October 28, it remains unclear if he is still in custody or has been released.

The sequence of events began when Guelph Police contacted the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) in the early hours of October 28. The police received reports of two men who showed up at a hospital in Guelph. According to HRPS, one of the men had sustained a non-threatening gunshot wound in the Halton region and received medical treatment before being discharged, while the other individual was unharmed.

Following these developments, HRPS’s Major Crime Bureau took charge of the investigation, leading to the arrest of both men involved. In an official statement, HRPS shared that “A 25-year-old male of Halton Hills and a 28-year-old male of Surrey BC have both been charged with Discharging Firearm with Intent.” The police added that they are actively pursuing the investigation to uncover further details about the incident.

However, the diplomatic standoff between India and Canada has complicated the situation for Indian authorities seeking information on Dalla’s detention. The relationship between the two nations has been strained since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response to these allegations, both countries expelled each other’s diplomats last month, resulting in a significant breakdown in diplomatic communication. Consequently, Indian government officials have struggled to gain access to further details about Dalla’s legal standing.

Despite Dalla’s wanted status in India, his detention in Canada offers limited assistance to New Delhi. An Indian government source expressed skepticism about the possibility of extraditing him, stating that “Extradition is a tough job and in today’s scenario (it is) next to impossible. (Also) they have not arrested him so far, only detained,” as reported by CNN-News18.

Does Dalla continue to influence criminal activities in Punjab?

Despite Arsh Dalla’s presence in Canada, his influence over criminal activities in Punjab remains persistent, as his associates continue to carry out operations on his behalf. The reach of Dalla’s network is evident, as Punjab Police recently apprehended two individuals connected to his gang.

In an official statement, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced that on Sunday, Punjab Police arrested two of Dalla’s shooters, who were allegedly involved in the murder of a Sikh activist in the previous month. This arrest took place in Kharar, Mohali, as part of a coordinated operation that involved multiple units within Punjab’s law enforcement agencies.

The operation was executed jointly by the State Special Operation Cell, the Anti-Gangster Task Force, and Faridkot Police, showcasing the collaborative efforts to curb the reach of Dalla’s gang. The two arrested individuals were identified as Anmolpreet Singh alias Vishal, a resident of Bhadorh in Barnala, and Navjot Singh alias Neetu, residing on Nijjar Road in Kharar.