In a sweeping operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) detained multiple suspects in a crackdown on the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers, connected to 'listed terrorist' Arshdeep Singh, known as Arsh Dalla, and various notorious gangsters. State police forces provided crucial support in the raids, which covered a total of 53 locations across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh.

During the day-long operation that commenced, law enforcement agencies seized pistols, ammunition, digital devices, and incriminating materials. Among those under the NIA's scrutiny were gangsters like Lawrence Bishnoi, Sukhdeep Singh (known as Sukha Duneke), Harry Maur, Narender (also known as Lali), Kala Jatheri, and Deepak Tinu.

These raids mark the seventh in a series of crackdowns initiated by the NIA since August 2022, including two new cases registered in July 2023. These cases involve conspiracies related to targeted killings, terror funding for pro-Khalistan groups, extortion, and more, perpetrated by gangsters, many of whom are either incarcerated or operating from foreign countries, including Pakistan, Canada, Malaysia, Portugal, and Australia.

Aimed at dismantling the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and drug smugglers, focused on identifying weapon suppliers, financiers, and logistics providers associated with hardcore gangs and their operatives. These gangs collaborate with drug smugglers and terrorists in various foreign countries, including Pakistan, UAE, Canada, and Portugal, among others.

NIA investigations have unveiled a web of conspiracies orchestrated from within jails across different states, executed by a well-organized network of operatives based abroad. Notable among these conspiracies were the high-profile killings of Maharashtra builder Sanjay Biyani, mining trader Mehal Singh, and international Kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambia in Punjab last year.

According to NIA investigations, many of these criminals and gangsters, who previously led gangs in India have fled abroad in recent years and are now orchestrating terror-related activities from there. These individuals are involved in planning and executing serious crimes, including contract killings and acts of revenge, in collaboration with criminals incarcerated in jails across the country. These groups have been carrying out targeted killings and raising funds for attacks and other nefarious activities through drug and weapon smuggling, hawala transactions, and extortion.

The focus on these gangs has intensified following reports of several prisons becoming hubs for this deadly nexus and witnessing gang wars, resulting in violence and homicides within prison walls, as seen in the Goindwal jail incident.

The locations targeted in today's raids included districts across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi/NCR, and Chandigarh.

Prior to this operation, the NIA had conducted over 370 raids, resulting in the seizure of 38 arms, including 4 lethal weapons, along with 1,129 rounds of ammunition. The NIA has also frozen 87 bank accounts, attached 13 properties, seized 331 digital devices, and confiscated 418 documents and two vehicles. Two absconders have been declared designated individual terrorists, while 15 accused have been declared proclaimed offenders, and Red Corner Notices (RCNs) have been issued against 9 others, as a part of NIA's concerted efforts to dismantle the nexus between terrorists like Arsh Dalla and notorious gangsters and drug smugglers.

Further investigations are underway to dismantle these networks involved in terror, violence, and extortion, as well as their funding and support infrastructure.

Image source: India Today