The Indian government is pursuing the extradition of Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, a man designated as a terrorist by India, following his recent arrest in Canada. Gill, who is accused of links to the late pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was reportedly taken into custody in Ontario last month.

“In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Thursday, November 14. He added, “Given Arsh Dalla’s criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India.”

Canadian media outlet CTV News reported that Gill, 28, was one of two individuals arrested by police in Halton, Ontario and charged with discharging a firearm with intent. The case has been listed for hearing in an Ontario court, according to Jaiswal.

Gill was declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act by the Indian government in January 2023. He is accused of a wide range of crimes, including murder, extortion, financing terrorism, drug and weapon smuggling, and disrupting communal harmony. The MEA has indicated that over 50 criminal cases are registered against him in India.

The Union home ministry previously alleged that Gill was “very close to” Nijjar and operated terror modules on his behalf. Nijjar, who was associated with pro-Khalistan outfits like the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and Sikhs for Justice, was fatally shot in Canada in June 2022. Canada has accused Indian agents of involvement in Nijjar’s killing, a claim India has strongly denied, leading to strained diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The MEA referred to Gill as the “de facto” chief of the KTF and disclosed that the Indian government had requested his provisional arrest from Canadian authorities. When the initial request was denied, India provided additional information under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, including details about Gill’s residential address, financial transactions, and other records.

“Canada’s Department of Justice sought further information on the case in December 2023, and a reply to these queries was sent in March this year,” Jaiswal revealed.

Meanwhile, Punjab Police announced on Sunday that it had arrested two of Gill’s alleged associates near Chandigarh. These individuals are accused of killing a man in Madhya Pradesh on Gill’s orders.

The Globe and Mail reported conflicting accounts regarding Gill’s connection to Nijjar. Nijjar’s lawyer and associates have denied the link, and in an interview earlier this year, Gill claimed he did not support Khalistani militancy but admitted to killing a Hindu leader over alleged desecration.

The case remains pivotal in the ongoing diplomatic and legal exchanges between India and Canada as both countries navigate their strained relations.