NIA Cracks Down On Criminal Syndicates, Raids Uncover Pro-Khalistani Network

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The National Investigation Agency ( NIA ) initiated a sweeping operation on Wednesday, conducting raids at approximately three dozen locations across several Indian states, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh .

Targeting the Pro-Khalistani Network
The primary objective behind these raids was the systematic dismantling of the network involving pro-Khalistani elements (PKEs) and gangsters, individuals implicated in a wide array of violent activities.

Unveiling a Spectrum of Illicit Activities
Authorities disclosed that those under investigation were engaged in a spectrum of criminal activities, encompassing targeted assassinations, assaults on government establishments, extortion, the illicit trafficking of weapons and narcotics across borders, and the orchestration of anti-India activities abroad.

NIA's List of Suspects
Significantly, the NIA had, just last Wednesday, released a list of 43 suspects linked to Khalistani gangs, all alleged to be participants in various unlawful activities within India and overseas.

The NIA also moved to seize two properties belonging to Gurpatwant Singh Pannu , the leader of Sikhs for Justice ( SFJ ) based in the United States, located in Chandigarh and Amritsar.

Recent investigations into the financial dealings of prominent Khalistani leaders and gangsters based in Canada have brought to light that funds generated through extortion and smuggling in India are not only sustaining their violent endeavours in both India and Canada but are also being channelled into investments spanning yachts, film productions, and even the Canadian Premier League .

International Investments and Concerns
Additionally, illicitly acquired funds have been traced to investments in clubs and bars in Thailand, raising international concerns about the financial activities of these criminal elements.

Escalation Amidst Political Allegations
The heightened actions by Indian agencies against PKEs and gangsters come in the wake of allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week, accusing Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada on June 18. This has spurred an escalated response from Indian agencies.