India Claims Arrest of Ex-RAW Officer; Hindu Group Lobbying in US

On 14 Oct, India informed the US it has arrested ‘CC1,’ mentioned in the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun foiled assassination plot case in June 2023. The US Department of Justice has charged former Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer Vikas Yadav as CC1 in the case (SDW Vol 1 Issue 12, Story 1). India conveyed that Yadav is no longer a govt. official and a high-level enquiry committee is investigating Yadav’s other connections. Yadav, also known as Vikas or by the alias Amanat, was reportedly employed by India’s external intelligence agency (RAW), as a Senior Field Officer specializing in security management and intelligence. The indictment stated that Yadav previously served as an Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force, India’s largest paramilitary force. Yadav was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in December 2023 in an unrelated extortion and kidnapping case but released on bail in April 2024. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a look out notice for Yadav but his present whereabouts remain unclear. The US State Department reported that the meeting with India was productive. Meanwhile, a story examined a report on the activities of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a US-based nonprofit established two decades ago. HAF has been actively involved in influencing US foreign policy related to India. Its founders, board members, and the affiliated Hindu American Political Action Committee, have notable donors linked to organizations affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of the BJP. Legal experts suggest that HAF’s activities may warrant scrutiny under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act. India’s compliance with US instructions in the assassination plot is in direct contrast to its response to Canada over accusations of its diplomats involved in Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination.

On 15 Oct, Canadian MP and head of National Democratic Party Jagmeet Singh called for sanctions against Indian diplomats and a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which he described as a ‘violent, militant, terrorist organization’ operating in Canada. Singh cited the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Indian diplomats ‘hiring criminal elements to shoot at Canadians,’ and urged the Liberal govt. to implement severe sanctions and to hold Indian PM Narendra Modi accountable. The RCMP alleged that ‘Indian govt. agents’ are linked to the Bishnoi group known for gang and extortion activities, now murders. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, from Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), appeared on Canadian broadcaster CBC News to claim that his organization has been communicating with the Canadian Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for the past 2-3 years. Pannun stated that SFJ has provided detailed information to the Canadian PMO about an alleged ‘Indian spy network’ and accused Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats of providing ‘logistics and intelligence support’ in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. On 16 Oct, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau testified before a Foreign Interference Inquiry, established by the govt. of Canada in September 2023 and revealed he has names of Conservative parliamentarians involved in foreign interference activities. PM Trudeau said he instructed the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to warn Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to protect his party’s integrity and noted Poilievre’s refusal to undergo security briefings which leaves his party uninformed about potential threats. At the same time, India has added a Canadian Border Services Agency official, identified as Sandeep Singh Sidhu, to its list of fugitives sought for deportation. Sidhu is allegedly linked to the 2020 assassination of Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a 1990 bravery award winner for action against Khalistani militants in Panjab.

The UK joined the US, Australia, and NZ in backing Canada amid escalating diplomatic tensions with India over the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated it has full confidence in Canada’s judicial system and urged India to cooperate with the investigation, emphasizing that respect for sovereignty and the rule of law is essential. The Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance are now asking India for accountability and to comply with Canada’s legal process (SDW Vol 1, Issue 1, Story 1). At the same time, the AAP govt. in Panjab maintained its silence on the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic row. Panjab INC leader, Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi was the first to respond saying, ‘the involvement of Union Home Minister, National Security Advisor and Bishnoi in the case are a blot on India’. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and Sukhpal Singh Khaira criticized CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for not addressing the concerns of a million Panjabis in Canada for not countering media narratives that portray Sikhs as Khalistanis. Panjab Chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring hinted, ‘something fishy is happening between the agencies and (Lawrence) Bishnoi.’ Former Panjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi asked rhetorically ‘Who creates these gangsters?’ hinting at the role politicians play in encouraging criminals. Meanwhile, India accused Canada of failing to act on extradition requests for 26 individuals associated with the Bishnoi gang expressing concern that those individuals are now being blamed by Canada for committing crimes in that country. 

In the case related to Lawrence Bishnoi’s two interviews from jail in March 2023, on 9 Oct, the Panjab Police dropped six charges against Bishnoi (SDW Vol 2 Issue 29 Story 4). The police retained only the charge of criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code in the final report submitted to a Mohali District Court. The Punjab and Haryana High Court (PHHC) questioned the ‘tearing hurry’ shown by the police in dropping the charges. In these interviews, Bishnoi had projected himself as an animal lover and Indian nationalist aligning with the right-wing Hindutva ideology. The interviews are no longer available on the Internet. On 15 Oct, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the PHHC identified misconduct, negligence, and dereliction of duty by police officers involved in the case. Special Director General of Police Prabodh Kumar, leading the SIT,  declared that the inquiry officer’s approach in investigating a First Information Report (FIR) filed on 5 Jan at State Crime police station, Mohali, was biased and legally untenable. The SIT has found one of the two interviews was conducted at Panjab Police facility in Kharar on the intervening night of 3-4 Sep 2022 and the other was conducted later in Rajasthan. The counsel for Panjab assured the court that appropriate action will be initiated against the officials involved. While Bishnoi gang’s involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing and association with gangster Satinderjit Singh alias Goldy Brar is seen as an anti-Khalistan act, the Indian National Investigative Agency had filed a report in March 2023 saying Bishnoi allied with pro-Khalistan groups.

On 18 Oct, the Panjab Police announced they have solved the murder case of Sikh activist Gurpreet Singh, linking it to Canada-based gangster Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dalla and suggesting involvement of jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, leader of Waris Panjab De (WPD). Gurpreet Singh was shot dead on 9 Oct while returning home from the Hari Nau village Gurdwara in Faridkot district. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav stated that three individuals were arrested as part of a reconnaissance module handled by Canada-based Karamveer Singh alias Gora, and MP Amritpal Singh. The murder was allegedly masterminded from abroad by Arsh Dalla. However, an audio clip purportedly from Arsh Dalla surfaced with Dalla claiming responsibility for the murder of Gurpreet due to a dispute between them and denying Amritpal Singh’s involvement. Gurpreet Singh was among the nine primary members who founded WPD under actor-turned-activist Sandeep Singh Sidhu alias Deep Sidhu in 2021 but had developed ideological differences with Amritpal Singh after Sidhu’s death in February 2022. Gurpreet’s family suspects Amritpal Singh’s involvement, citing threats received due to these differences. Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, held a press conference expressing sympathy for the victim’s family and demanded a judicial inquiry.

Sitting among huge mounds of paddy in mandis (grain markets) whose procurement has slowed down, their paddy in the open is gathering moisture, Panjab farmers complain arhtiyas (commission agents) are demanding extra compensation for grain weight loss. Arthiyas are asking for three extra bags per 100 procured or reimbursement equivalent to approximately $35 (₹2,610) per 100 bags. Even the procured grain is not being lifted by millers because of storage issues and farmers are now selling in distress. On 21 Oct, Panjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann threatened millers saying, ‘We have a plan B ready for getting the milling of rice done. Blackmailing will not be allowed.’ On the same day, the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Doaba) blocked the National Highway at Phagwara causing huge difficulties for traffic. By 22 Oct, farmer unions were protesting at 51 places — 25 toll plazas and outside residences of 26 politicians — while the govt. started wooing rice millers with incentives to bring them on board. 2,000 millers have agreed but another 3,500 millers are still averse to milling the paddy (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 42, Story 4). BJP’s union minister for state for Railways and Food Processing Ravneet Singh Bittu says 212 freight trains are moving out the stored paddy and there shall be more storage space soon. Space shortage at the time of paddy procurement is an engineered crisis, which is now being politicized as AAP and BJP compete, harming Punjab’s agrarian ecosystem.

On 12 Oct, Senior SAD leader and former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha publicly accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP of pressuring Akal Takht (Eternal Throne; AT) Jathedars (leaders) to delay the punishment of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Valtoha’s allegations surfaced after Badal, declared tankhaiya (guilty of misconduct) on 30 Aug, resumed political activities contrary to the AT’s directive to abstain until completing his atonement. In a Facebook post, Valtoha questioned the delay in pronouncing punishment and insinuated external influence. AT Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh summoned Valtoha to present evidence supporting his allegations. Following Valtoha’s inability to provide substantive proof, the Jathedar directed SAD Executive President Balwinder Singh Bhundar to expel Valtoha from the party for 10 years. The evidence presented contained Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh’s alleged links with the BJP and RSS. Valtoha resigned from the party’s primary membership hours later. Meanwhile, Giani Harpreet Singh announced his resignation from his position as Jathedar of the Takht Damdama Sahib, citing mental agony due to alleged threats to his family by Valtoha. He accused Valtoha of issuing threats, making derogatory comments about his daughters, engaging in character assassination, and insults to his caste. AT Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh backed Giani Harpreet Singh and urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (apex Sikh governing body) to not accept his resignation. Ironically, as Sikhs become central to the Canada-India crisis, Sikh leaders are engaged in internal disputes, raising questions about who truly holds control.

On 15 Oct, the Election Commission of India announced the dates for assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand and by-polls in Panjab and other state assemblies. By-polls in Panjab is on four seats — Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, and Gidderbaha. The voting is on 13 Nov and results will be declared on 23 Nov. These bypolls are necessitated by the recent resignations of former MLAs who have been elected as MP’s: Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer from Barnala (now MP from Sangrur), Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from Gidderbaha (now MP from Ludhiana), Raj Kumar Chabbewal from Chabbewal (now MP from Hoshiarpur), and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa from Dera Baba Nanak (now MP from Gurdaspur). Political parties have commenced preparations, with SAD conducting core committee meetings, INC formulating its strategy, and the BJP completing its preparations. AAP is emphasizing development projects in the constituencies, with CM Bhagwant Singh Mann having already toured all four regions. AAP announced its list of candidates. AAP has fielded Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon from Gidderbaha; Ishank Chabbewal from the Chabbewal; Harinder Singh Dhaliwal from Barnala; Gurdeep Singh Randhawa from Dera Baba Nanak. The BJP has announced Manpreet Singh Badal contest from the Gidderbaha, Ravi Karan Singh Kahlon from Dera Baba Nanak, and Kewal Singh Dhillon from Barnala. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal hinted at contesting from Gidderbaha. INC and SAD are yet to declare their candidates. Three associates of MP Amritpal Singh also plan to contest these seats while serving prison sentences under the National Security Act (SDW Vol. 2, Issue 28, Story 9). 

The Panjab police, through the Non-Resident Indians Affairs Wing and Cyber Crime Wing in coordination with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh, booked 18 illegal travel agencies across the state for unlawfully advertising employment opportunities abroad. This action follows the registration of at least 20 First Information Reports (FIR) against 25 such unscrupulous agencies in August, bringing the total number of illegal travel agencies booked to 43. Additionally, Director General of Police (Cyber Crime) Praveen Kumar Sinha urged citizens to exercise caution and verify the credentials of travel agents, and only to engage with agencies holding a valid Recruiting Agent (RA) license under the Emigration Act, 1983. Meanwhile, Indians in Panjab expressed concerns that their plans to work, study, or visit family in Canada might be jeopardized due to escalating diplomatic tensions. Indian students are feeling the effects most acutely, many mainly from Panjab, constituting over 41% of Canada’s international student permits in 2022, contributing approximately $16B annually to Canadian universities. Canadian study permits for Indians fell sharply late last year and the diplomatic tension was likely to weigh on future numbers. ‘It is something that both countries cannot afford because we are heavily dependent on each other,’ said Kanwalpreet Kaur, a political science professor at Chandigarh’s DAV College. Though both countries see no immediate impact on two-way trade, which stood at $8.4 billion at the end of the last fiscal year on 31 Mar, it is uncertain how trade will continue in the absence of diplomats (SDW Vol. 2, Issue 40, Story 10).

Elections for the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex governing body of all Sikh gurdwaras in Panjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, are mandated every five years, yet none have been held since 2011. Established on 15 Nov 1920 to replace the influential mahants (managers of Gurdwaras, antithetical to Sikhi) who mismanaged Gurdwaras, the SGPC was legally recognized as a democratic body by the Gurdwaras Act of 1925. The committee comprises 170 elected members, 15 nominated members, 5 heads of the Takhts (seats of justice), and the head granthi (custodians of the Guru Granth Sahib) of Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple). SGPC elections are overseen by the Gurdwara Election Commission, currently chaired by Justice S S Saron (retired), appointed by the Union Home Ministry. Voters, totaling over 5 million since last October, must be Sikhs aged 21 and above, maintaining unshorn hair and abstaining from alcohol, halal meat, and tobacco. These eligibility criteria ensure that only devout Sikhs participate in the governance of their religious institutions. Despite the SAD maintaining a majority since their 2011 victory, they have lost two Panjab Assembly elections in the same period, and scored poorly in three general elections. The delay in holding elections stems from legal challenges initiated in December 2011 when the Punjab and Haryana High Court nullified the 2011 polls, restoring voting rights to Sehajdhari Sikhs (Sikhs with hair shorn) and delaying subsequent elections until the Supreme Court reinstated the original SGPC house in 2016. The last five-year term concluded in 2021.