The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated a sweeping multi-state operation on Wednesday, resulting in the detention of multiple suspects associated with the intricate web of terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers. This coordinated action targeted individuals linked with the ‘listed terrorist’ Arsh Dalla and several notorious gangsters. State police forces collaborated in these extensive raids.
A total of 53 locations across six states, namely Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, witnessed intensive raids throughout the day. The operations led to the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, a substantial quantity of digital devices, and incriminating evidence.
Aside from Arsh Dalla, the NIA’s focus in these raids extended to infamous gangsters such as Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukha Duneke, Harry Maur, Narender @Lali, Kala Jatheri, and Deepak Tinu, among others.
These operations mark the seventh installment in a series of crackdowns instigated by the NIA, stemming from the registration of five cases since August 2022, with two new cases added in July 2023. The cases encompass conspiracies involving targeted killings, terror financing for pro-Khalistan outfits, extortion, and more. Many of the perpetrators are either incarcerated in various prisons across India or operating from foreign countries, including Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Portugal, and Australia.
The primary objective of today’s raids was to dismantle the intricate network of weapon suppliers, financiers, and logistics providers associated with hardcore gangs and their operatives. These gangs collaborate with drug smugglers and terrorists from abroad, including countries like Pakistan, UAE, Canada, and Portugal.
NIA investigations have uncovered that the conspiracies under scrutiny were being hatched within prisons across different states and executed by a well-organized network of operatives based overseas. Some prominent conspiracies involved the high-profile assassinations of Maharashtra builder Sanjay Biyani, mining trader Mehal Singh, and international Kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambia in Punjab last year.
As per NIA investigations, several criminals and gangsters who previously led Indian gangs have sought refuge abroad in recent years. From these foreign sanctuaries, they continue to orchestrate acts of terror and violence, collaborating with incarcerated criminals in India. These nefarious groups execute targeted killings, raise funds for attacks, and engage in other criminal activities through the smuggling of drugs and weapons, hawala transactions, and extortions.
The increased attention on these gangs has been fueled by reports of prisons turning into breeding grounds for this deadly nexus, escalating into gang wars, and culminating in violence and homicides, as seen in Goindwal Jail.
Today’s extensive raids covered various locations, including districts in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi/NCR, and Chandigarh.
NIA had previously conducted over 370 similar raids, leading to the seizure of 38 firearms, including 4 lethal weapons, along with 1129 rounds of ammunition. The agency has frozen 87 bank accounts, attached 13 properties, seized 331 digital devices, 418 documents, and two vehicles. Two fugitives have been designated as individual terrorists, while 15 accused have been declared as proclaimed offenders, and Red Corner Notices (RCNs) issued against nine others. These efforts aim to dismantle the perilous nexus between terrorists like Dalla and notorious gangsters and drug smugglers.
The NIA continues its rigorous investigations to eradicate these networks, along with their sources of funding and support infrastructure.
