In a significant move geared towards national security, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) disclosed details on some of the most elusive terrorists and gangsters currently under their scrutiny on Wednesday. Notably, Lawrence Bishnoi, a renowned criminal figure, was among those mentioned.

The NIA's latest campaign focuses on unearthing the intricate web connecting terrorists to gangsters, with a particular emphasis on those with connections to Canada and the Khalistan movement. The release consisted of the faces and names of 43 suspects. Key figures such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Jasdeep Singh, Kala Jatheri (real name Sandeep), Virender Pratap (also known as Kala Rana), and Joginder Singh were prominently displayed to further this cause.

Encouraging citizen cooperation, the NIA has called on the general public to come forward with any details about these criminals, especially regarding their assets and properties. The intent is clear - to allow the Central Government to seize such assets.

“Persons shown in the photos below are accused in the NIA Cases RC-38/2022/NIA/DLI or RC-39/2022/NIA/DLI. If you have any information about properties/assets/business owned by them in their name or in the name of their associates, friends & relatives, please WhatsApp DM @ +91 7290009373,” the agency specified in its post on platform ‘X’.

Moreover, in a bid to encourage tip-offs, the NIA declared monetary rewards for information leading to the capture or substantial leads on five terrorists associated with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) group. The list comprises the group's leader in Canada, Lakhbir Singh Landa, and Harwinder Singh Rinda from Pakistan. Both of these high-profile figures carry a bounty of Rs 10 lakh each, indicative of their significant role in the Khalistan operations. Other members like Parminder Singh Kaira (alias Pattu), Satnam Singh (or Satbir Singh), and Yadvinder Singh (referred to as Yadda) also have rewards amounting to Rs 5 lakh each.

The NIA's relentless pursuit to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard national interests is commendable. As the public, it's crucial to stand in solidarity and assist in any way possible. Every lead counts.

NIA Ramps Up Operations Amid Tensions Between India and Canada

In the NIA's pursuit of these suspects, it has become clear that all five, for whom rewards have been publicized, have associations with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) group.

The NIA's decision to release this information to the public is driven by its commitment to eradicate the roots of organized crime and terror, both within India and stretching across its boundaries. While several of these wanted individuals are currently confined within Indian penitentiaries, a substantial number remain elusive. These culprits, some operating from overseas territories, continue to cast a menacing shadow over India's security framework.

This revelation also surfaces at a time of simmering diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. The recent strain was further exacerbated by remarks made by Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Earlier this week, Trudeau squarely accused the Indian administration of orchestrating the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, who was officially labeled a terrorist by the Indian state, met a violent end outside a Gurdwara. He was fatally shot in a parking lot in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 of this year.

To aid its ongoing investigation, the NIA has not only requested insights into the assets, properties, and businesses owned by these suspects but also seeks information about their associates and acquaintances. Details about their operational ecosystem, encompassing business partners, employees, and even collection agents, could prove invaluable.

In a repeated plea, the agency emphasized: “Persons shown in the photos below are accused in the NIA Cases RC-38/2022/NIA/DLI or RC-39/2022/NIA/DLI. If you have any information about properties/assets/business owned by them in their name or in the name of their associates, friends & relatives, please WhatsApp DM @ +91 7290009373,” a post seen on platform X.

For the public's convenience, the NIA has furnished the comprehensive list of these 43 individuals, which is delineated below:

1. Lawrence Bishnoi
2. Jasdeep Singh
3. Kala Jatheri alias Sandeep
4. 4.Virender Pratap alias Kala Rana
5. Joginder Singh
6. Rajesh Kumar alias Raju Mota
7. Raj Kumaralias Raju Basodi
8. Anil Chippi
9. Mohammad Shahbaz
10. Goldy Brar Ansari
11. Sachin Thapan Bishnoi
12. Anmol Bishnoi
13. Vikramjit Singh alias Vikram Brar
14. Darman Singh alias Darmaniot Kahlon
15. Arshdeep Singh Gill
16. Surender Singh alias Chiku
17. Dalip Kumar alias Bhola
18. Parveen Wadhwa aliasPrince
19. Yudhveer Singh
20. Vikas Singh
21. Lakhbir Singh alias Landa
22. Gaurav Patyal alias Saurav Thakur
23. Sukhpreet Singh alias Budda
24. Amit Dagar
25. Kaushal Choudhary
26. Asif Khan
27. Naveen Dabas alias Naveen Bali
28. Chhotu Ram alias Bhat
29. Jagseer Singh alias Jagga
30. Sunil Balvan alias Tillu Tajpuria
31. Bhupinder Singh alias Bhupi Rana
32. Sandeep alias Bandar
33. Sukhdool Singh
34. Gurpinder Singh
35. Neerai alias Pandit
36. Daler Singh
37. Dinesh Sharma
38. Manprit Singh Peeta
39. Hariom alias Titu
40. Harpreet
41. Lakhveer Singh
42. Irfan alias Chhenu Pehalwan
43. Sunny Dagar

Such a transparent approach by the NIA ensures that the citizens remain vigilant and collectively work towards a safer and more secure nation. The broader cooperation between the agency and the public could pave the way for a significant crackdown on the nexus of crime and terror that threatens our national fabric.

The National Investigation Agency's (NIA) decision to release details about notorious criminals comes at a time when the diplomatic tension between India and Canada is palpably strained. At the heart of this tension lies a grave accusation by Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, directed squarely at the Indian government.

On June 18, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by the Indian authorities, met a violent end outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia. His assassination sparked controversy, reaching a flashpoint on September 18 when Trudeau publicly implicated India in the murder. Pointing fingers at India for orchestrating the killing of the Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil, Trudeau's claims, however, lacked substantiating evidence. He vaguely mentioned Canada's pursuit of "credible information" linking Indian agents to the crime, but offered no concrete proof.

India, caught in the eye of this storm, responded with a blend of incredulity and assertiveness. In a move that showcased Canada's firm stance, the country expelled an Indian diplomat following Trudeau's incendiary remarks. On its part, the Indian government staunchly dismissed all of Canada's allegations. The Ministry of External Affairs was forthright in its rebuttal, calling any suggestions of India's involvement in Nijjar’s killing "absurd and motivated".

Such an exchange of sharp words and actions between the two nations brings their long-standing friendly relations under a cloud of suspicion and mistrust. As accusations fly, the truth remains to be unveiled. What is clear, however, is that both nations are at a critical juncture, and their next steps will significantly shape the course of their bilateral relations.